Obituary of Anna F. Zilka

Mrs. Anna F. Zilka, age 84, died peacefully on Wednesday February 16, 2011 in Gloversville with her family at her side. She was born June 27, 1926 in Germantown, the daughter of the late Edward Funk and Malinda Hamm Funk. She was a direct descendant of the Palatine Germans who settled there in 1710. Following her high school graduation in 1943 she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps at Albany Hospital, in affiliation with Russell Sage College, graduating from there in 1946. She was married to Dr. John Fernandez for 27 years. In 1978 she married Rudy Zilka who died in 1999. Anna enjoyed her home and family, playing bridge, scrabble, cross-word and double acrostic puzzles, reading and knitting. She sang in her church choir for 40 years. Anna's survivors include: her daughter, Sarita A. Fernandez and companion Deborah Binon of Caroga Lake; three sons, John E. Fernandez Donna of Michigan, Charles V. Fernandez Marilyn of Oregon and Dr. Richard E. Fernandez Faith of New Jersey; four grandchildren, Jonathan Fernandez of North Carolina, Jessica Fernandez of California and twins Alexis Fernandez and Claire McMullen Todd of New Jersey; two step-grandchildren, Paul Saukus and Kate Saukus and companion Juan Perez of Gloversville; three great-grandchildren, Richie McMullen of New Jersey and Keva and Anya Perez of Gloversville. Also surviving are a nephew, Dale Funk June of Hudson and a stepdaughter-in-law, Pamela Zilka of Scotia. Anna was predeceased by three brothers and a stepson, Gene R. Zilka. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 20 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 9:15 a.m. Monday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 S. Main St; Gloversville. The Very Rev. Donald Czelusniak will be the celebrant. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.