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).
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Ronald Centa
Mom, I’m so grateful for the way I was raised. You were never afraid to be my mother – to put your foot down – to teach me right from wrong, to make sure I did my best. You always let me know I had a mom that cared about me, who believed in me, who was there for me no matter what.
Terezija and Gregor Caserman
Dear relatives! We extend our deepest condolences to you as the beloved and loving Lillian goes to eternity in God. We are grateful for all the moments we spent together in Slovenia. Let them rest in peace! Terezija and Gregor Caserman with Ana, Katarina and Rok Filip, Antonija Turk Jurca, Frenk Jurca and Pavel Turk
Chuck Fye
Dear Family of Lillian
I worked with Lillian during her years at Lakeland CC. She made a difference in many lives. She was an excellent teacher and a valued colleague. Of greater importance, she modeled the way to teach and to live.
May she rest in peace.
Chuck Fye
Fr. John Retar
Dear Centa Family:
Your mother will be greatly missed. I admire her strength of faith especailly after loosing two children and strength of character. I enjoyed visiting with her. She was proud of you. I just learned of her death when she was not at Mt. St. Joseph. Your parents were good friends to many and to my parents as well.
Marie Burgar
Dear Family of Mrs. Lillian!
Your mother was a remarkable lady. I learned so much from her when we taught together at St Vitus Adult Slovenian School. Both she and your dad were such loving and caring friends. I will always treasure knowing the two of them. May they rest in peace.