Scroll to the end of the post to view Millie’s life tribute video.
Born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on October 22, 1923, Milica “Millie” Ovnič (nee Žonta) died peacefully on December 28, 2020. Millie’s warm smile, kind heart, amazing courage, and steadfast faith touched all who knew her and provided her family and many friends an unsurpassed model for living life with joy.
She grew up in Slovenia during a troubling time of civil conflict, fleeing on foot from Slovenia in May 1945 and spending several years in an Austrian Displaced Persons camp. There she forged many lifelong friendships with fellow Slovenians, comforting their children as a kindergarten teacher.
Millie immigrated to the US with her younger brother Rafko in 1949, laboring on a farm in Missouri for a year before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. In Cleveland she was reunited with many she had met at the Displaced Persons camp, becoming part of the close-knit Slovenian community centered on St. Clair Avenue. There she was among the original members of the Slovenian choir Korotan, which endures to this day. It was also in Cleveland where she met and married Max, a widower with three young children, also recent immigrants from Slovenia.
Millie and Max settled in Geneva, Ohio, soon adding 3 children to the family. There she was an accomplished baker and cake decorator at the Giant Eagle. She was especially loved by all the children who stopped by the bakery; they could always count on receiving a free cookie. No grandchild will ever forget those themed and fantastically decorated birthday cakes, and her baking wizardry extended to strudels, poticas, and many, many cookies. Millie loved to sing, especially Slovenian folk and religious songs. As an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Geneva, she lent her beautiful voice to the choir. In 2005 she rejoined Korotan to sing in Slovenia, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Slovenian diaspora and memorializing those who lost their lives to communism in that era.
Millie moved to Twinsburg, Ohio in 2000, to be near her daughter Helen. There she became an active member of SS Cosmo & Damian Church. In Twinsburg Millie would swim early every morning, go to Mass, and would often stop at the Senior Center before returning home. Millie was a friend to everyone. Her grandchildren affectionately called her the “Mayor of Twinsburg”. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Her family will cherish her baby blankets, afghans, and thousands of crocheted washcloths, doilies, and Christmas ornaments. Millie was always available to babysit her grandchildren and make sure they completed their homework. She was an avid reader and loved remaining connected to her family and friends through email, Skype and Facebook.
Perhaps most amazing, she became a knowledgeable and (perhaps overly) enthusiastic fan of the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers. She was an unabashed cheerleader of her grandchildren’s accomplishments in sports and their education. Millie was a friend to everyone. She always parted ways with those she loved, saying “love you, bye-bye”. Most of all, she loved children. All children, but especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She proudly tallied up the numbers as her flock grew.
She will never be forgotten by her children Frank (Joanne), Marija (Jim), Lou (Mary), Joe (JoAnn), Mariana (Bryan), and Helen (fiancée Bob); her grandchildren Tina, Michelle (Jeff), Paul, Anita (Chris), Robert, Chris (Greta), Monica (Bo), Julie (Josh), Tracy (Richard), David, Sarah (Jessie), Matthew, Nina, Claire, Zan (Stephanie), Cece (fiancée Tucker), Griffin, Anthony (Megan), Dominic (Alicia), and Vince, and 18 great-grandchildren. She is survived by two sisters, Joža (Grimsby, Ontario, Canada) and Albinca (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and many extended family members.
Millie struggled with many physical ailments in recent years, but remained determined, steady and positive. She is now in peace and reunited with those she lost who were so beloved by her. Millie was predeceased by her husband Max, and 6 siblings: Lojze, Mirko, Štefka, Janko, Nande, and Rafko. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Catholic Mission Aid, 1076 East 176th St. Cleveland, OH 44119. All services are PRIVATE due to COVID restrictions. A celebration of Millie’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are by THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD. Link to the Livestream of the Mass.
Ovnic
Charity Name: CATHOLIC MISSION AID
Charity EIN: 237299558
Offer Condolence for the family of Milica Ovnic
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Mary ovni
Can family member send flowers & where?
Mike Abramovich
My parents loved her. She was a great neighbor to them. We all adored her. They are all together now. God Bless
Helen
Rudy and Dolly, your parents were so good to her. It’s so hard that they are all gone but I have a feeling they are catching up. Hope you are well. Thank you for your kind words. Helen
Heidy and Adam Novak
The only way to speak about Teta Milica is with a smile and loving heart because that is how I will always remember her! Blessed to have her as my godmother… she was an amazing role model I will always aspire to mimic! To all my cousins and everyone who loved Teta Milica, I along with my entire family love you so much and send our sincerest condolences. She was so proud of all of you, and knew how to make everyone feel loved. Thank you for sharing the highlights of her amazing life’s story! Heidy, Adam, Brock & Kristina, Clark, Jessica & Jesse (Ontario, Canada)
Helen
Thank you for your kind words. She loved all of you!!!
Evans family
We are saddened to learn about the loss of your love one. May your memories console you and may God sustain you with his precious promise to someday soon reunite us with our love ones. Truly sorry for your loss.
Helen
Thank you for your words of comfort. We will miss mama but will hold her memories close to our hearts. Thank you
Pollyanna
Millie was a tower of strength, a joyful and loving soul with a kind word and loving expression for all whom she met. She loved walking the grounds of her living facility and did so with great determination. I’ll remember always Millie’s warm hello, bright smile and indomitable spirit. Much love to you, Millie!
helen
Thank you for being such a good friend to her and visiting her. Her face lit up when she talked about your visits in Twinsburg. Also thanks for sharing your memories!
Dave Quickel
So sorry to hear of Millie’s passing. My mom Louise and Millie were close friends in Geneva. For many years they walked to mass daily no matter what the weather. The best story is when a stopped freight train blocked their path and they both crawled under a box car reasoning that as long as they were going to mass they wouldn’t be injured. They worked together making grape pies as well. Deepest sympathy on your loss. Dave Quickel
helen
Thank you Dave. That story about going under the freight train is a classic one. I remember it well. Your mom was such a good friend to my mom. Thanks for sharing your memories!
Rosemary & Josephine Sustersic and family
My mother and I extend our deepest condolences to all of you, our sister and aunt Milica’s nieces, nephews, cousins and family. We share in your sorrow at this sad time. Aunt and sister Milica warmed our hearts as she did yours. Lasting and cherished memories will remain with us forever. Aunt Milica always made us feel welcome and at home and we will always remember the special times when our relatives from Slovenia and Argentina were also able to join us in making cross border visits. May you be comforted by the love of family and may sister and aunt Milica’s soul rest in peace.
Pat Quickel Warner
Millie was such a special person. Everyone who knew her loved her. My mom considered her a best friend and they spent almost every day together walking and working at the church. She will be missed. Pat Quickel Warner
Pat Quickel Warner
Millie was such a special person. Everyone who knew her loved her. My mom considered her a best friend and they spent almost every day together walking and working at the church. She will be missed. Pat Quickel Warner
Joan Tompkins
Millie Millie Millie….cherish our friendship and all of the laughs we had together. Know you are happy for our Browns now too! You were one of the best friends I have ever had. Love you and will miss you forever. Will keep on swimming too! Until we meet again…..Love, “Your” Joanie
Louise Borgione
Dear Helen and family. Thank you…I loved the video and cried as it brought her loveliness and kindness out to me. She was a very special lady and everyone in Twinsburg knew her. I used to say she should run for
“public office” because she was so well known and loved. Her whole persona spelled out generosity and LOVE! I have her personal witness and need to dig it out and read it again, wishing other people would appreciate living in this country that we take for granted, and cherished by Millie who loved the country who welcomed her and her family. Loving memories. We have someone in heaven to pray to along with the angels and saints, as Millie is surely to be one of them! Love to all of you and her memory.