Marija Zakelj

MARIJA ZAKELJ (nee Oblak) age 99, beloved wife of the late Pavel; loving mother of Ann Zitko (Frank), Paul (Kathleen), Stan (Lois), Tony (Melissa), John (Rachel) and Vinko; devoted stara mama of Frankie Zitko (Kathryn), Mary Finotti (Frank), Lizza Zakelj, Christopher Zakelj, Tricia Regan (Patrick), Mike Zakelj (Rachel), Meghan, Joe, Audrey, Matthew (Monica), Nicholas, Amanda, Jack, Anna, Ian, and Ruth Zakelj, and Taylor Hammer and prastara mama of Matthew, Calvin, Mason, and Madison; cherished daughter of the late Anton and Marija (nee Rigler) Oblak; dearest sister of France, Tinca, Bogomir and the late Stanko, Vinko, Anton, Lojze, and Viktor; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Marija was born on November 28, 1926, in the village of Graben within the Dolenjska region of Slovenia and passed away September 21, 2026, just 2 months short of her 100th birthday. In May 1945, she and her family left their homeland as post-communist war refugees, traveling first to Viktring and later to Spittal an der Drau in Austria. Seeking a new beginning, Marija and her brother, Anton Oblak, embarked on a 12-day journey across the Atlantic on a cargo ship, arriving in New York City on May 18, 1949. From there, they took a train to Cleveland, Ohio, settling in the St. Clair neighborhood. It was here that she married her husband, Pavel, on February 23, 1957, and together they raised six children.

Though she worked at the Dill Factory in Cleveland from 1949 to 1957, Marija truly relished her role as a homemaker dedicated to Pavel and their family. She found joy in cooking and baking for loved ones and enjoyed reading until failing eyesight made it difficult. Deeply rooted in her faith and heritage, she was a dedicated member of St. Vitus Church, the St. Vitus Altar and Rosary Society, the St. Vitus Mother’s Club, Legion of Mary, KSKJ #226 and the Slovenska Pristava Pensioners.

Following Pavel’s passing on February 17, 1993, Marija lived in Euclid until 2001, eventually returning to the St. Clair neighborhood to settle at St. Vitus Village. Surrounded by loving and supportive friends, she maintained her independence at The Village until December 2018. In February 2019, she transitioned to her new home at the Slovenian Home for the Aged and received excellent care from all staff as well as from Reserve Care.

Throughout her life, Marija’s greatest happiness came from visiting with her grandchildren, feeding her family, gathering to celebrate birthdays and holidays, and praying the rosary. She treasured the strong connections she built with friends at The Village, where she loved socializing and attending Mass.

Marija will always be remembered as a selfless, generous woman who deeply loved her family. She had an inspiring ability to adapt to every change life brought her; she maintained a warm disposition and leaned on her faith for strength and guidance. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Marija to St. Vitus Endowment Fund, HERE.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland at 11 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marija at ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026, from 4-8 PM.