Gordana Musafia

Gordana Musafia (nee Deutsch) age 104 passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. She was the devoted wife of Sal Musafia (deceased), daughter of Alexander and Alexandra Deutsch (both deceased), sister of Elsa Ceraldi (Igino) both deceased. Gordana is survived by her niece Gordana Ceraldi Giovinale and husband Joe, who were devoted to her.

Born in Pancevo, Yugoslavia in 1922, Gordana said her father, who owned a leather factory, provided her with a wonderful childhood. Not only did she and her sister Elsa have a governess, but the siblings were taught French and English in anticipation of one day traveling abroad. She also spoke German, Italian and Serbian (her native language.) Little did she know how these languages would one day come in handy.

Gordana Musafia was one of the longest surviving Holocaust victims. “Until Hitler came, everything was wonderful,” Gordana said. “I’m Jewish and you know what the Jewish people went through with Hitler and Nazism. We were in concentration camps in Serbia and later at Ferramonti di Tarsia, the largest camp in Italy. Liberated in 1944, Gordana, her mother and sister were among 1,000 Jewish refugees brought to Oswego, New York by order of President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt. They lived at Fort Ontario, where Gordana completed her education. Their story was documented by author and humanitarian Ruth Gruber in the book “Haven." Sadly, while her father escaped the Nazis by fleeing to Hungary to live with his sister, he eventually died in a Russian prison camp. Following their time at Fort Ontario, Gordana lived in Cleveland before moving to New York City, where she worked at Republic Bank and at Bloomingdale’s where she met the love of her life Sal Musafia, known affectionately as “Musa.” They married within a month of meeting and shared a joyful life together in new York, later wintering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Playa del Sol. Together, they traveled extensively, entertained family and friends, and remained close with her family and friends often traveling with Gordana’s mother Alexandra.

After 36 years of marriage, Musa passed away peacefully in 1989 with Gordana at his side. In the years that followed, she remained active and close with friends from Fort Ontario and beyond. She continued to split her time between Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland, eventually settling close to her niece, Gordana Giovinale. For nearly two decades, she maintained homes in Seven Hills, Ohio and and Fort Lauderdale, cherishing friendships in both cities. She especially enjoyed the Seven Hills Senior programs where she loved playing bingo and sharing meals with her close-knit group of friends.

Gordana lived a long life defined by resilience, grace and strength. She remained sharp nearly until the end and will be remembered as a  remarkable woman who survived history’s darkest moments and lived her life with joy, generosity and courage.

Gordana Musafia will be buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Fairview New Jersey next to her mother, sister and beloved husband, Musa.

A celebration of her remarkable life will take place at a later date.