Mary Catherine "Kate" Zawierucha

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Mary Catherine "Kate" Zawierucha, 95, passed away Monday, April 29,2024 at Elmwood Assisted Living in Fremont, OH. She was born August 21, 1928 in Toledo, the daughter of James E. and May (Loeb) Flanigan. Kate was a 1946 graduate of St. Ursula and went on to work in the newborn unit at Mercy Hospital.

Kate spoke often of her childhood memories of her neighborhood antics on Ontario Street, including daily rides to and from school in a Taxi owned by her dad's Yellow Cab Co.,boisterous Flanigan family parties and being doted on by her maiden aunts Rose and Florence, who lived next door. For many years, she has assumed the duties of the Flanigan Matriarch and was endlessly supportive of her family and their endeavors.

She met her future husband, Joe, when they worked together downtown at LaSalle's Department Store. On October 24,1953 she married Joseph Zawierucha at St. Francis DeSales. The ceremony was officiated by her uncle Msgr. James Flanigan. She continued to work in clothing sales, and moved to the Westgate LaSalle's which became Macy's then Elder Beerman's, retiring in August 1995. Kate had an exceptional sense of style and was thrilled to personally shop for her family and many of her customers. 

Upon retirement, she wintered in Myrtle Beach and enjoyed numerous destinations, especially Hawaii, Vegas, California and Texas with her husband, Joe. They walked daily at Franklin Park Mall, vacationed, attended events for their grandchildren, hosted numerous "Happy Hours" and all the holidays. Kate was an active resident while living at Westgate Residential, West Park Place and Elmwood. She easily made lasting friendships  and kept in touch with many old neighbors and friends.

She was a was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish and the Altar Rosary Society for over 50 years.

Surviving are her daughters: Cathy "Ann" (Anthony) Chudzinski of Fremont, OH and Julie (Jeff) DeVore of Fairfield Glade, TN; grandchildren, Julie (Nick Smith) Chudzinski, Daniel Chudzinski, Adrienne (Chris Voigt) Chudzinski, Jared (Caitlin Horstman) Devore and Jacob (SoYung Park) DeVore; great-grandchildren: Noah, Sloane, Vincent, Alba, Anniston and Celine; brother Michael (Janet) Flanigan of Sarasota, FL; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 56 years, Joseph; brothers James (Rosemary) and Joseph (Gloria) Flanigan, sister Madeleine (Ned) Degnan and great-granddaughter Kendall Smith.

The family would like to thank the staff of Elmwood and Heartland Hospice for their care.

Visitation will take place from 4-7P.M. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, OH. Additional visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1021 W. State Street, Fremont, OH a Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 A.M., officiated by Fr. Matthew Frisbee. Mass will be Live Streamed and available via the link on her obituary page at www.hermanfh.com Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum; Trees and Grounds Fund, which she and her family enjoyed.