Ann Zakrzewski

LIFESTORY:

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus says “in as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me”. Ann Zakrzewski was a living example of these words. An amazingly generous woman, Ann gave of her heart and her home to anyone and everyone. What was hers was yours. She lived by these words every day of her life.

The world saw rough times in 1916 as the United States entered World War I. It was the end of an era and the beginning of a new way of life. In Kalamazoo, the year 1916 found Vincent and Josephine Salpatrick working hard to support their four children. They had both emigrated from Poland to Kalamazoo and Vincent had found work in one of the local paper mills. On April 9, their home was filled with the cries of newly arrived baby number 5 – Ann. The family would continue to grow in the next few years with the addition of two more children. Ann grew up surrounded by six brothers and sisters in a household that spoke only Polish.

Life was not easy for Ann and her family. She attended St. Augustine School until the 6th grade when she left to find work. With so many mouths to feed and so little money, everyone had to help out and young Ann contributed by doing any odd jobs she could find. Each day was difficult. Her parents were very strict and wanted their children to be brought up in the values they had brought from their homeland. Like all adolescents, Ann wanted more freedom. Roller-skating was a favorite pastime and she would often sneak out of a second story window to join her friends. Getting caught meant being punished, but Ann did it anyway. She was somewhat of a tomboy and would take on her brother and his friends in boxing matches.

When Ann was 25 years old, her world changed. Sitting at Louie’s Restaurant and Bar she caught the eye of a young Staff Sergeant named Richard Zakrzewski, or “Zak” as his friends called him. Zak was in the Army and stationed at Fort Custer. An instant connection was made between the two young people, some call it love at first sight, and on August 2, 1940, the couple was married at St. Mary’s Church. Zak gained a wife but lost a stripe – for going AWOL. Ann traveled with her new husband wherever he was stationed, staying home only when he was sent to Iceland. Upon his discharge, Ann and Zak set up housekeeping in Kalamazoo and started their family. Son Richard Jr., also called “Zak” was born in 1945, followed by Don in 1950 and Patty in 1960. When Patty was six years old, Ann was blessed with her first granddaughter, Heather. And soon to follow were Joy and Renee. In 1994 Patty gave birth to a daughter Melia and a son Parker in 1997. In addition the grandchildren gifted her with four great-grandchildren, Sophia and Savannah (twin-girls, age 6), Christian (age 3), and Aidan (21 months). She lived for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her world!

After living in Kalamazoo for a while, the family moved to Hastings where Zak owned the Hastings Rambler Car Dealership. He later sold this business and moved his family back to Kalamazoo where he went to work for the Checker Cab Company. Trying his hand at several other businesses, Zak finally settled at the Post Office, retiring after 26 years of service. During this time, Ann worked part time at the WMU cafeteria, but most of her time was spent being a mother and homemaker. She made sure the family went to church every Sunday, or when they grew older, she and Zak would go to Saturday afternoon mass, then out to dinner and a drive in the car – Zak loved to drive and Ann loved to be by his side. When not eating out, Ann could be found in her kitchen, cooking one of her wonderful family meals. Polish foods were always a favorite, along with some “down home” food like corn fritters and fried chicken. But no matter what she cooked, everything had to be made from fresh ingredients and served piping hot.

Family was an important part of Ann Zakrzewski’s life. Holidays were a time of gathering all the family together, especially on Christmas Eve. Her son Richard had 3 girls and grandma Ann was very involved in their lives. At times, her granddaughters made their home with her. And what a home it was. Ann’s home was a haven, a warm, cozy safe place for all to gather. Whether it was her parents or Zak’s parents, her son’s buddies, anyone – all were welcome. Some would stay a night; some would stay for a week or more. Ann didn’t mind – they were all her family. And she always knew what her family was doing. With a “mixed up” sleep cycle, Ann would nap during the day and be awake at night, aware of everyone’s coming and goings. She kept them all in line.

Ann also spent time with her sister – Zak would head for the basement to work on his trains, while the women visited. And this amazing woman was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. Her children often said she reminded them of Lucille Ball. Ann loved to laugh and make others laugh. It was nothing for her to go into MacDonald’s, walk up to the counter and ask for a highball, to the amusement of all around.

The last few months of her life were spent at Park Place Living Center. It was here that the truly awesome staff provided a home with exceptional care for Ann just as she had done for others all of her life.

Ann Zakrzewski, age 88 of Kalamazoo, died peacefully on November 12, 2004. Learn more about Ann, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, Stadium Drive (West of US-131) where a Life Story Service will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Zak” Sr. in 1986; five sisters and a brother. Member’s of Ann’s family include her three children: Richard “Zak” Jr. (Christine Duranceau) of Galena, IL; Don Zakrzewski (Ruth Nurrie) of Kalamazoo; Patty (Larry Curtis) Zak Curtis of Mattawan; five grandchildren: Dr. Heather (Jerome Abood) Zak Abood of Lansing; Joy (Tom Huitema) Zak Huitema of Portage; Renee (Ed Adams) Zak Adams of Hermosa Beach, CA; Melia and Parker Curtis both of Mattawan; four great-grandchildren: Sophia, Savannah, Christian and Aidan; many nieces and nephews. To share a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the charity of one’s choice, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Ann’s legacy of unselfish giving will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.