Gordana Perhinek

Gordana Perhinek, affectionally called “Baba” by her grandchildren, departed her loving family on January 14, 2026. Gordana was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, on March 31, 1935, to Lt. Col. Rudolf Perhinek and Vida Tašic Perhinek. Preceded in death by her sister Dušica Zebec. Gordana was the mother to Alexandra Ukmar (Stephen Atkins), Katarina Kirchenbauer (Gary), and Victoria Drees (Kenneth). She raised her children with love and devotion in Euclid, Ohio. She is survived by her three daughters, five grandchildren, Samantha Drees Dawson, Alexis Drees Waghulde, Kenneth Drees, Danielle Atkins, Kyle Kirchenbauer and one great grandson, Rory Dawson. Also survived by her nieces, Maja Koller and Gordana Bareta, and cousins in the United States and Serbia.

Gordana came to Cleveland, Ohio in 1954 as a displaced person and became a naturalized citizen in 1959. She enrolled in Western Reserve University in 1956 in the College of Architecture, the first year that women were admitted to the program. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in interior design in 1961. She also received a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1975 from Case Western Reserve University. She worked as an architect at George S. Voinovich Architecture from 1960-1964 where she was part of the team that designed St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma. She and her husband, Milosh Ukmar, were the first couple married in St. Sava Cathedral in 1963. She illustrated two interior design textbooks. Gordana was also an interior designer for The Higbee Co. and Dillards Interior Design Studios. As an architect and interior designer, she was known for her professionalism and impeccable good taste.

Gordana was a role model to her daughters encouraging each to excel academically with advanced degrees. “With clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and food on the table,” there was no excuse for anything less than your best effort. As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will be remembered for her independence, strength, perseverance, and generosity.

Visitation will be held at Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 on Sunday, January 18, 4:00-6:00 PM with a Pomen service at 6:00 pm.

Visitation will be held at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 6306 Broadview Road, Parma, on Monday, January 19 at 1:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 1:30 pm. Rev. Fr. Dragan Vukovic officiating.

Burial immediately following at Monastery Marcha Serbian Orthodox Cemetery. A reception will be held after the burial at the cathedral.

Donations may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 6306 Broadview Road, Parma, Ohio 44134 in the name of Gordana Perhinek.