Mary Rot

Mary Rot (née Kozelj), age 93, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026. Born January 18, 1933, in Hocevje, Slovenia, to the late Ivan and Marija (Horvat) Koželj, Mary was a woman of profound strength. As a young girl, she and her family navigated the hardships of the German occupation of Slovenia, experiences that forged an enduring spirit she carried throughout her life.

In 1958, Mary immigrated to the United States, where she dedicated 30 years as a master seamstress at Richman Brothers. Her legendary precision with a needle was matched only by her "green thumb" at home. Mary’s residence was a place of constant growth, always surrounded by blooming flowers and a bountiful garden of peppers, beets, potatoes, lettuce, and onions.

A true matriarch of Slovenian tradition, she found her greatest joy in the kitchen. Whether preparing fresh meals from her harvest or baking traditional potica, strudel, flancate, and krofe, Mary took pride in sharing her Slovenian heritage with those she loved.

Beloved wife of the late Adolf Rot for 50 years, Mary was a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews across the United States and Slovenia. She was cherished by her brothers: Jože (Veronika) (both deceased), Ivan (Ancka) (both deceased), Anton (deceased) (Marija), and Stane (deceased) (Anka). She is survived by her brother, France (Toncka).

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, March 13th, 2026, at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid, Ohio 44143 at 10:30AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to Mary from 9:30-10:30AM at THE CHURCH. A small reception will be following the burial.

Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.