CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Ann Zayac

Ann was Swedesboro through and through: born at Mae Haffey’s, lived most of her life on East Ave. and a Swedesboro High School Graduate Class of ’55. Her door was always open; people found their way to her home during their toughest times. Some said she was strong willed; others called her stubborn, but everyone knew she was independent. Late in years, you’d find her doing all the things she shouldn’t be doing: pulling weeds, mowing her lawn, snow blowing, tending to her flower garden. Of course, it may have been that she just loved the outdoors, especially enjoying a round of golf with her husband or pulling up vegetables from his garden. She had a fondness for animals; dogs and cats over the years but the birds and squirrels in her car were also her pets. She was talented behind the stove; a great baker especially when it came to Christmas cookies. Quiet times found her in her sewing room, hemming the grands’ homecoming dresses and doing a little cross stitch and needlepoint. As a mom she was kind of a softee, carting her kids all around South Jersey to sporting events; originally to see her husband play but to her kids’ games as they got older. Ann kept life fun and jovial, often leading sing-alongs with the family while she sat behind her piano. She was a huge fan of QVC; presents for everyone and the added bonus of being on a first name basis with her UPS driver. She worked as a secretary for many attorneys and the Kingsway Guidance Offices but found her real calling late in life as a grandmother: lots of sleepovers, root beer floats, Luigi Water Ice and a cabinet full of treats next to her couch. Of recent, she often spoke of her trips to New York to visit with them. She read just about anything she could get her hands on: fitting that she was on the Board of the Swedesboro Library. And she was active for many years at Bethesda Methodist Church where she was a trustee and active in the Eastern Star.
Swedesboro High earned her more than just a diploma. It’s there the pretty Ann Nothdurft would meet a handsome boy, the late Joseph Zayac. The two would marry and share a 46-year marriage blessed by 4 children: Joseph “Jay” (Hope), Beth Sellet (Chuck), the late JoAnn Puitz and the late Mark; and later by grandchildren: Nichole, Heather, Sara, Mark, Kyle, Kim and Emma; and great grandchildren: Annabelle, Evelyn and Hunter.
Come celebrate 88 great years, Monday April 14, 2025, 10-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org) or The American Heart Association (heart.org) will be appreciated.