Sophie Kosem

SOPHIE KOSEM age 97; cherished daughter of the late Alojzij and Frances (nee Majdic) Kosem; dearest sister of Mary Celestina (husband Miro deceased), Rev. Fr. Frank Kosem and the late Lojze Kosem, Ursula Stepec (husband Ciril deceased) and Marjan Kosem (wife Mira); dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Sophie was born in Dol Pri Ljubljana, Slovenia on April 23, 1928. In May 1945, Sophie and her family emigrated to Austria as refugees and then came to the United States in September 1949. She graduated from high school in Austria at a DP camp and pursued her higher education in the States. She attended nursing school in Duluth, Minnesota and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland. She worked as a nurse first at University Hospital and then Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights for over 32 years. She was also a school nurse for the Cleveland Board of Education, retiring at the age of 90 years old.

She liked to spend time gardening and listening to music. She was devoted to family and faith and was a member of the Altar Society of St. Mary’s Church in Cleveland.

Sophie was known for her friendly and social nature. She was also devoted to philanthropy and generously supported the Catholic Church and Slovenian missionaries around the world. She was a humble woman who will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her faith.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made in memory of Sophie to St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church or to Catholic Missions Aid (MZA). Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Sophie at THE CHURCH SATURDAY MORNING from 9-10:30AM. Online obituary, guestbook, & order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com. Arrangements by Zevnic-Cosic Funeral Home.