Obituary of Leona Zakarka

Mrs. Leona Zakarka, 86, of Elk Street, Amsterdam died peacefully Sunday, April 20, 2008 at the River Ridge Living Center LLC. A lifelong resident of Amsterdam, she was born on February 23, 1922 the daughter of the late Carl and Ann Pranys. Leona was educated locally until going to work for the Chalmers Garment Company. After numerous years with Chalmers, she became a homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, needle worker and knitter. She was a devoted gardener, an avid Mets fan and enjoyed traveling. A parishioner of St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church all of her life, she was actively involved for many years. She served on the Ladies Auxiliary for over 50 years and also served as treasurer of the Living Rosary Society. Above all she loved and cared for her family and will be missed by all who knew her. Her loving family includes her husband, of over 60 years, Edward Zakarka of Amsterdam; two children, Charles Zakarka and his wife Mary of Wynantskill and Christine Zakarka and her partner Sandra Stewart of Kensington, MD; one sister Veronica Jorelemon of Amsterdam; three grandchildren, Julie Lee Marie, Michael Edward and Susan Elizabeth; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Phillip and three siblings, Mary Vageline, Caroline Kiskis and Peter Pranys. A prayer service will be conducted on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 8:30a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30a.m. at St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. David Mickiewicz as celebrant. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call this evening Tuesday from 4 until 7 at the funeral home. The St. Casimir's Ladies Auxiliary will meet at 6 o'clock for a prayer service. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Casimir's Memorial Fund, 260 E. Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.