Ivana Kosir

IVANA KOSIR (nee Urbancic) age 93, beloved wife for forty years of the late Janez; loving mother of Apolonia Zakelj (Joe, deceased), John (Mimi), Nicholas (Lisa), Ann Stipkovich (Mark), Anthony (Rita), Benjamin (Mindy), Cecilia Smith (Scott) and Joseph; devoted grandmother of thirteen and great-grandmother of thirteen; cherished daughter of the late Franc and Marija (nee Skof) Urbancic; dearest sister of Rezka Prapotnik, and preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Ivana was born December 27, 1931, in Slovenia, the second of eight brothers and sisters. She was proud of the fact that she was the first girl born in their family after seventy years. Her father, Franc, died in a German concentration camp when Ivana's youngest sister, Rezka, was born. Ivana met her husband, Janez, at a firemen's village festival in Dobrova, Slovenia, and they married on April 30, 1955. In 1967 they emigrated, escaping communism, to join family in Cleveland, Ohio. They were so grateful for America's freedom. Our Mami was an expert homemaker because she learned survival skills at a young age. After raising us, no small task, she spent fifteen happy years at St. Vitus Village, followed by the last few years in the care of us, her children. She was able to do extended visits with us to pass on her expertise, for a few of her final years. Mami was devoted to Marija Pomagaj and the Catholic faith and cherished the Slovenian community. Ivana loved to cook and bake, sing and knit. She was a member of the St. Vitus Altar & Rosary Society, Lira Choir and Pensioners Club of Slovenska Pristava. Our Mami was a gentle soul, a masterpiece in every way, but tough as nails. She was friendly and had a great sense of humor. Hvala mami za zivlenje.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ivana to St. Vitus Catholic Church or the St. Vitus Parish Hall and Learning Center, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Mausoleum. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ivana at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY 3 - 7 PM.