Lilian J. Zakia's Obituary
Lilian J. (Gunter) Zakia, 96 of Methuen, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at her daughter’s home, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family. She now rests in eternal peace alongside her late husband, Theodore Zakia, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship.
Born on January 4, 1928, in London, England, Lilian was the precious daughter of William and Mabel (Miller) Gunter. Lilian pursued her education with zeal, graduating from Hugh Myddleton Central School and later from Dame Alyce Owens Academy.
At the end of World War II, her journey of life took her across the Atlantic to the United States in 1946, with her new husband, an army soldier she met during an air raid, where she embraced new opportunities and touched the lives of many with her kindness and grace. She dedicated 24 years of her professional life as a manufacturing supervisor at Unitrode, leaving an indelible mark of diligence and leadership, until her retirement.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lilian found fulfillment in serving her community. She was a devoted Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Methuen, embodying her deep faith in all aspects of her life. Her vibrant spirit and love for camaraderie led her to become a revered Queen Mother of the Scarlet O’Hara’s of Methuen and a cherished member of the Red Hat Society.
Lilian's generosity knew no bounds as she volunteered at the Methuen Senior Activity Center thrift shop, bringing joy and support to those around her. She also delighted in the excitement of trips to Foxwoods, cherishing moments of fun and laughter with loved ones. Her last summer vacation was with her two daughters in a cabin in Maine, where they all had a wonderful girls week together.
Left to cherish her memory are her two adoring daughters, Cheryl L. Sirois of Methuen and Christine S. Abruzzi and her husband, John, of Hampstead, NH. Lilian's legacy of love extends to her eight grandchildren, Kristen Bisio and her husband, Peter, Matthew Sirois, Todd Sirois, Benjamin Abruzzi, Adam Abruzzi and his partner, Julie, Eric Buckheit, Keith Buckheit, and Theordore T. Gardner, whose lives she enriched with her wisdom and affection, as well as her eight great-grandchildren, Kayla Buckheit and her wife, Savannah, Matthew Bisio, Danielle Jalbert, Gunner Benjamin, Casey Chretien, Juliette Swain, Emma Swain, and Lydia Swain, who will always hold her in their hearts. She is also survived by her great-great-granddaughter, Alaïa Buckheit, a testament to the enduring bonds of family.
In addition to her husband, Lilian is reunited in heaven with her beloved son, Theodore T. Zakia, whose memory she held dear throughout her life's journey.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Lilian’s remarkable life by joining together for her calling hours from 2 – 5 PM on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. A Funeral Mass to commemorate Lilian's life will be held at 11 AM on Monday at St. Monica Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Burial will be private, respecting the wishes of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Lilian's memory are encouraged to make memorial contributions to the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA 01844.
For directions or to convey condolences online, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com, where Lilian's legacy lives on in the memories shared by those whose lives she touched. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Zakia family during this time of remembrance and reflection.
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