Breda Loncar

BREDA LONCAR (nee Osenar) age 83, beloved wife for 61 years of Matija "Matt"; loving mother of Matthew (wife Christine), Tanya Brandal (husband Raymond), Frank (wife Renne), Marty (wife Stephanie), and Pete (wife Tanya); devoted grandmother of Jessica, Nicholas (wife Meghan), and Hannah, Benjamin and Jacob Brandal, Vincent and Mia Rosalina, Marty Jr., Lola, Rachel, Luke, and Holly; cherished daughter of the late Stanko and Albina (nee Pograjec) Osenar; dearest sister of Milena Gobec (Husband Edi, deceased), and brothers Peter Osenar (wife Sue), and the late Stan Osenar (wife Jerry Ann); dear aunt, and great-aunt of many.

Breda and her family fled Slovenia as part of the Slovenian Exodus of 1945. Breda led the Slovenian Folklore Dance Group KRES for 25 years, and she co-authored the first Slovenian-American Language Manual with her sister Milena Gobec. Breda was an inspirational, energetic, creative, and passionate woman deeply devoted to her family, faith, Slovenian heritage, and community. Her passing is a profound loss to all who were touched by her generous spirit and kind heart.

Born in Cerklje, Slovenia in 1941, Breda was forced to flee her homeland in 1945 at the age of three to a refugee camp in Spittal, Austria to avoid communist persecution before emigrating to the United States in 1950. She carried her Slovenian heritage proudly throughout her life and shared her culture enthusiastically through her work with the Slovenian singing group Slavčik, teaching Slovenian school at St. Vitus and her long-standing involvement with the Slovenska Pristava community. Family reunions at Pristava were among her happiest times, bringing together those she loved most in celebration of faith, family, and tradition. Most recently, Breda was teaching Slovenian school for adults at St. Mary's on Saturday mornings and she really cherished every moment with her class and shared stories every day with us about the joy that they brought her.

A dedicated educator, Breda graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1959 and from Notre Dame College in 1963. She began her career as a French and English teacher at South High School before advancing to become principal of North High School and later Director of Curriculum for the Willoughby-Eastlake School District, where she served until her retirement in 2009. Breda was so proud of all of her students that participated in the Academic Decathlon Program. Her belief in every student's potential was the driving force behind her creation of the district's innovative "Bridge to Success" program-an alternative learning environment that provided encouragement and opportunity to students who needed extra support. To honor her legacy, the District dedicated the Breda Loncar School for Success in 2017. Her leadership, compassion, and creativity left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. After retiring from education, Breda continued to champion her Slovenian heritage by co-founding the Slovenian American Times newspaper where she was Editor for many years. Her tireless dedication was recognized in 2013 when she was named the Federation of Slovenian Homes Woman of the Year-an honor that reflected her lifelong commitment to service, culture, and community.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Breda was a woman of many gifts. In her kitchen, she was known for her delicious apple pies, apple strudel, and raisin potica-recipes that connected generations of family. She was a devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians, and the Cavaliers. Breda spent many years driving to swim meets and then making dozens of pancakes for all of the kids, cousins and friends. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Lake Catholic football program with her memorable cowbell; and more recently the Lake Catholic girls volleyball program. Breda enjoyed watching each of her grandchildren playing sports and leading other activities at Gilmour, Lake Catholic and Kirtland high schools. She was exceptionally proud of their academic achievements! Breda's family will forever cherish memories of Christmas Eve gatherings at her home, where they prayed the rosary in Slovenian and shared her wonderful cooking. These traditions-along with her more than 60-year marriage to her beloved husband-were the cornerstones of her life.

Breda will be remembered for her strong sense of community, fierce devotion to family, and steadfast faith. She lived her values every day-holding herself and others to high standards, while offering encouragement, compassion, and belief in the good within everyone. Her love for her heritage, her students, and her family formed the central story of her life. Those who loved her will find comfort in the sight of Slovenian carnations, and the gentle reminder of her whimsical ladybugs. Her family will also fondly recall her love of card games and board games, moments that reflected her playful nature and joy for life.

Breda touched many lives and the family would love to see your stories. Please add below to her keepsake book by clicking on Share Your Memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Breda to the Slovenian American Times at 3397 Chardon Road, Suite 120, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at St. Vitus Catholic Church (6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103) at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Breda at ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY from 2-8 PM.