Mary Ann Zamecnik

Those who knew and loved Mary Ann Zamecnik have so many precious memories that will never be forgotten. The common threads throughout her tapestry of time were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds that sets her apart from the rest. Mary Ann was a woman of strong values who realized that being a mother is so much more than meeting the physical needs of children. It was evident by the life she lived that she fully embraced that being a mother is truly a matter of the heart. Becoming a grandmother was simply the icing on the cake and one of life’s greatest gifts. Those Mary Ann leaves behind consider themselves blessed for having been given such an amazing woman to touch their lives.

The year 1948 marked a time of great change for America, as it did throughout the world. With the end of World War II, thousands of young servicemen returned home to start their families and the Baby Boom was quickly underway. Lewis and Virginia (Mohrbacher) Mason of Racine, Wisconsin were among the many expecting parents and on November 18, 1948, they delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Mary Ann. Mary Ann led a typical childhood of the time, attending the area schools and playing with her friends. After graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in 1966, she went on to earn her LPN degree.

Mary Ann was in her late teens when she met the love of her life, Kenneth W. Zamecnik. The two fell in love and were happily married on March 7, 1970. She then worked as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Racine until the untimely death of her husband, while being overjoyed with the births of her four children, Brian, Scott, Christopher and Jodi. Being a mother seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for her. She was loving and caring, and derived endless joy from watching her family grow and succeed. As a hard worker, as a medical transcriptionist, and dedicated mother, Mary Ann was an excellent example to her kids. She taught them good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives, lessons that included treating others with respect, caring for one another and family always comes first.

When it came to family time, the Zamecniks enjoyed going camping– Mary Ann always packed the best basket of food for their trips. They even “camped out” in the living room every year when the Jerry Lewis Telethon came around. They often went fishing for “Salmon-A-Rama” and slept in the car by the pier too. Funny, whenever Mary Ann had to drive the family station wagon, they had to tape a block to the gas pedal so she could actually reach it. For Mary Ann, a couple of her all time favorite vacations was going to Disney World for the Bicentennial year with her husband and two oldest children, and later on in life the trip to Graceland with the two youngest children – she was so in her glory in Elvis’ home. Many other fond memories included going to the outdoor movie theater with homemade popcorn, a cooler of Kool-Aid and Twizzlers, playing video games all night or staying up until one in the morning playing board games at the kitchen table. That kitchen table was also where many long heart to heart talks took place, and much love, comfort and hope was given. It was easy to see that Mary Ann considered it pure joy to care for her husband and children.

Tragically, on September 4, 1977, Mary Ann lost her beloved husband Kenneth after he was struck by lightening while out fishing. After only 7 years, Mary Ann was left to raise her children alone, something she did with great courage and strength. There wasn’t anything that made Mary Ann happier than spending time with her children and precious grandchildren. Her face always lit up with delight when it came to sharing special moments with her family – like when her oldest son finally got married, or when she first laid eyes on her newborn grandchildren. She was truly touched when her daughter, Jodi, asked her to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. Christmas was always a happy occasion too when Mary Ann saw the delight in her children and grandchildren’s eyes as they opened her gifts!

Aside from her family, Mary Ann enjoyed many hobbies and activities in her leisure time. She liked to play bingo, cards, cribbage and board games, and bowled for many years on the Women’s Bowling Association. She loved making Christmas cookies, going to casinos, watching black and white movies and finding a piece to add to her mice collection. She always had a sweet smile on her face when seeing her grandchildren or spending a few moments with them. Memories of their times together became treasures of her heart.

Mary Ann Zamecnik, age 62, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at St. Catherine’s Medical Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Kenneth, in 1977. Survivors include her children: Brian (Pauline) Zamecnik, Scott Zamecnik, Christopher “Chrissy Mike” Zamecnik, Jodi (Rick) Chingway; her four grandchildren, Molli, Jessie, Hunter, Cheyenne; sister, Karen (Jerry) Calliari; sister-in-law, Pam (Robert) Beckett; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 West Sixth Street, Racine, with Rev. Stephen Samuelson officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, April 6, at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, Racine, WI (262-634-7888) from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Washington Manor and St. Catherine’s ICU for their loving and compassionate care.