Lillian Marie Centa

LILLIAN MARIE CENTA age 95, beloved wife for 61 years of the late Ernest R.; loving mother of Ronald, Michael (wife Judith), Joanne, and two stillborn baby boys; devoted grandmother of Paige, Alexander, and Ethan; cherished daughter of the late Frank (Anna) Pozar and Mary Pozar (nee Mezgec); dearest sister of the late Darko Pozar.

Lillian was born on September 1, 1927, in Euclid, Ohio and has remained a lifelong resident of the area. Following graduation from Euclid High School, she went on to pursue a degree in education.

“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” -Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Lillian was a teacher through and through. After receiving a Bachelor of Education, she went on to earn her master’s from Case Western University. She proudly taught at Euclid School for 35 years and after “retirement” went on to teach at Lakeland Community College for 15 years and at the Slovenian School of Language for 10 years.

She was a natural when it came to conversation, and she could talk for hours with anyone she met. She knew no stranger.

Devoted to her faith, Lillian was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake for over 50 years, formerly Holy Cross, and taught CDC (The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine). Not only did she pray the Rosary every day, but she truly lived a life doing unto others as she would have them do unto her.

Lillian and her husband Ernest married on June 21, 1958 and built a family of five. She and Ernie enjoyed many hobbies together including showing Kerry Blue Terriers and traveling to Slovenia to see family. She also spent many hours playing the piano.

On June 27, 2023, this kind and gentle soul was called home. Her family finds comfort in knowing she was greeted by her husband, brother, and dear canine companions.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Lillian Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 9-10 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 19951 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44119.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10 AM.

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to THE ZEVNIK-COSIC HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91).