Mary Alice Zakowski

PITTSBURG, KS – Mary Alice Zakowski, age 97, died February 26, 2021 at Medicalodge South in Pittsburg. She was born February 1, 1924 at home in Chicopee, KS. Her parents were Charles and Alice Ferns Gilmore. She was the first daughter of twelve children. She attended school in rural Pittsburg and Cherokee High School. She moved to California in 1945 and worked in the nursing field. She met her husband Joe Zakowski and they were married on September 22, 1945 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Los Angles, California. He was working as a journeyman machinist on the atomic bomb at the time. A highlight of his career. He continued as a journeyman machinist. They raised their son’s Richard and John, in the natural beauty of California. Experiencing many outdoor adventures together, traveling, hunting and fishing. They retired in 1977 and moved back to Pittsburg. Enjoyed many wonderful times with family and friends. Loved traveling as snowbirds, in Florida and South America. Members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg. Mary was a member of the Altar Society and the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Via Christi Auxiliary. A devoted wife, mother, aunt and a friend to all people. Survivors include, a sister Rose Ella Wente of Springfield, MO. Several Nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents Charles and Alice Gilmore, sons Richard and John, a sister Frances Ann Deckard, brothers Daniel, John, Charles, Fernan, Leo, Peter, Edward, Thomas and Joseph. Pursuant to their wishes, Joe was cremated November 21, 2014. There will be a combined Mass of Christian Burial, at 10 am, Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg with Father Jerome Spexarth, as celebrant. The organist and vocalist is Sharon Barone. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburg, KS. The service will be live streamed on Mrs. Zakowski’s obituary page on www.bathnaylor.com Friends may call Wednesday afternoon at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 S. Broadway in Pittsburg. The casket will remain closed. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at our web site www.bathnaylor.com.

Mary Alice Zakowski

January 1, 1924 - February 26, 2021