Argia

Simicich

Argia Simicich, (nee Surian), 97, a longtime resident of Cliffside Park, died peacefully on February 26, 2022.

Born on March 4, 1924 in Lussingrande, Italy, a majestic island in the Adriatic Sea where she met her husband, Giovanni (John), who was also born and raised there. In 1945, they both relocated to Chioggia, Italy after the island became part of Yugoslavia.

Argia lived through World War II and would often reflect on those difficult years. As the oldest child and with her father frequently at sea as a merchant mariner, she was tasked with helping to raise her younger siblings and maintaining the household. Like many from her generation, these experiences forged her character of self-reliance, perseverance, and resiliency.

Married on November 15 ^th , 1947, Giovanni and Argia lived in Italy and the United Stated at various points before purchasing their first house in 1978 on Dewey Avenue in Cliffside Park, near her two sisters and their families. After Giovanni passed away in 1997, Argia lived there until 2019. Fiercely independent and fastidious, she took pride in maintaining her home. What she didn't know, she learned and held herself to a high standard. Even in her 90s, she took care of the landscaping, snow removal and most household repairs herself, including to the masonry.

Professionally, Argia was an exceptionally talented and passionate seamstress with an excellent eye for fashion. During her years living on 10 ^th Ave in Manhattan with Giovanni, she worked for renowned designers in the Garment District. Later, she started her own business and had many loyal clients well into her 80s.

When she wasn't working, Argia loved to dance. She had a capable partner in Giovanni and they were mesmerizing on the dance floor. She was a confident dancer and it was clear to anyone watching her how much she enjoyed it – especially when dancing the cha-cha or tango. At the first sound of one of her favorites, Argia would bolt to the dance floor. More recently, she tried teaching her caregivers at the assisted living home some dance moves while using her walker as a partner. She never missed an episode of her favorite show, Dancing with the Stars, and enjoyed discussing the dancers' performances and wardrobes with anyone interested. She was also an avid fan of Jeopardy and watched it every evening.

Argia was an animal lover and owned parakeets for many years, all of whom she affectionately named Pucci. However, she was most fond of Ricky, the award-winning German shepherd she and Giovanni cared for deeply. He was their pride and joy. Ricky accompanied them from Manhattan to Sottomarina, Italy and eventually to Cliffside Park.

Although she never had a driver's license, Argia was often on the go. She had an adventurous spirit and became an expert at navigating the maze of public transportation systems. She would often walk to visit family and friends, or to window-shop along 5 ^th Avenue or visit the buildings of the famous. She was unstoppable.

Argia is survived by her two sisters, Marina and Vanda, brother, Elividio, brother-in-law, Urbano, and sister-in-law, Eugenia.  She was an exceptionally loving aunt adored by her four nieces, Mirella, Loren, Sandra, and Laura, and five nephews, Mario, Steven, Gregory, Mario and Egidio, plus eighteen great-nieces and nephews.  Consistent through the generations of nieces and nephews was her love of entertaining them.  She was willing to doing almost anything to hear their laugh and spent countless hours creating joyful memories.

Argia is now reunited with her beloved husband, Giovanni, parents and other family and friends.  She'll be remembered forever as a beautiful soul who enriched the lives of those fortunate to have known her.