Marie A Zalega

Marie A. Zalega, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2023, in Santa Ana, CA. She was born on May 4, 1929, in Munich, Germany.

Marie grew up and attended schools in Munich. It was there, at Oktoberfest, that she met Frank Zalega. They were married shortly after and moved to Canada, where they spent several years before eventually settling in the United States. They were together for over 60 years.

Marie was a skilled seamstress her entire life. She learned piecework while employed in Canada. She later worked as a seamstress in a local bridal shop in Illinois. She often made clothes for her children when they were young. She was always a hard worker; her hands were always busy. 

Marie was blessed with three daughters: Diane, Christine, and Caroline.  Her family later expanded to include beloved grandchildren: Rachel, Michael, David and his wife Cat, Nathan and his wife Lorena, Max and his wife Lisa, and Joseph. She was also blessed with cherished great-grandchildren: Jude, Eli, Ezra, Jack, Amelia, Kate and Kaycie. She also leaves behind two brothers and two sisters: Delfo, Bruno, Liana and Martha. After years and miles apart, Marie had the opportunity to reconnect with her siblings in Germany, which brought her great happiness and joy.

Marie found joy in the simplicity of life. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and needlepoint.  But perhaps her greatest joy came from her love of sewing, a skill she mastered over the years. 
Marie was a devout Catholic. She was known for her friendly demeanor and loving heart, always ready with a comforting word or supportive gesture.

Marie A. Zalega, a woman of faith, a loving matriarch, and a friend to many, leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those she touched with her kindness and warmth. Her life may have ended, but her spirit, like the threads she so skillfully wove, will continue to bind her loved ones together, reminding them of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

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