Mary K. Zona, age 81, of the Osier area of Rapid River, died Tuesday, October 10th, 2006 at home following a brief illness.

Mary was born February 22nd, 1925 in Wilkesbarre, PA, the daughter of Matthew and Alice (Radnor) Szortyka and was raised in Wilkesbarre. However, she has resided in Michigan much of her life and has lived in the Osier area since 1980 when she and her husband of 56 years, Robert F. Zona, move to the Upper Peninsula. They married July 3rd, 1950 in Hudson, PA.

While living in the Detroit area with her family, she was employed as a “head banquet waitress” for many years associated with Cobo Hall in Detroit and was proud of the fact she met and served six U.S. Presidents, including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, and Reagan.

In addition to being a member of St. Rita Church of Trenary, Mary was a member of the Rapid River Senior Citizens Center. In their leisure, Mary and Bob traveled extensively throughout the United States and had also made six trips to Europe. She also enjoyed playing “Bingo” and gaming at the casino. 

Mary Zona’s survivors include:

Her husband, Robert F. Zona

2 Sons- Robert T. (Debbie) Zona of Port Austin, MI; Mark (Daria) Zona of LaCombe Twp., MI

1 daughter- Cindy (Ed) Church of Sylvania, Ohio

1 Sister-Anne Kozloski of Wilkesbarre, PA

6 Grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers, and 5 sisters.

With the assistance of the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County, private services for Mary K. Zona will be conducted at the convenience of the family.