Mary Duckie A. Van Zant

VAN ZANT, Mary Ann “Duckie”, age 90, a long-time resident of Miamisburg, passed away suddenly of complications due to pneumonia on Thursday April 28, 2016 at Sycamore Hospital, Miamisburg. Mary was born on February 3, 1926 to Kenneth and Mary Kate Sheppard in Brig Bay, Newfoundland, Canada. She was married to the late Chief Master Sargent Elwyn Van Zant, formerly of Germantown. She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Van Zant; adopted son, Juan Lozano (Cindy) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; grandsons Sergio, Carlos, Gary, and Benjamin; sister, Sinneth Dawe (Albert); and Bichon-Poodle mixed breed pup Tyler (who continues to wait for her to come through the door). Among her many nieces and nephews are Annie Lee Oaks (Daniel), Van Niebel (Paula), Joe Niebel (Marilyn Calondis), Bill Niebel (Jane Smith), Perry Dawe (Denise), Cindy Fox (Dennis), Bonnie Dawe, Robert Dawe (Jean), Randy Dawe (Janice), Terry Dawe (Mary), Maurice Sheppard (Diane), Sarah Spingle (Gordon), Wanda Bauld (Terry), Kenneth Sheppard (Sheila), Valerie Combden, Myles Sheppard, and Derrick Sheppard. Mary was also known as Duckie, a nickname given to her by her daughter in a moment of whimsy and contrariness. Mary loved her adopted home, the United States, but she always had a soft spot for her childhood home in Newfoundland. She was a fountain of fascinating stories about her days as a fisherman’s daughter and a house maid. She was a ruthless card player, whether it was euchre or Skip-Bo, with a style that took no prisoners. She usually planned her week around playing cards with her friends at the Miamisburg and West Carrollton Senior Centers. Her generosity and hospitality towards her family and friends knew no bounds. She cherished her friendships and loved having guests in her home for meals and celebrations, especially her famous Christmas parties. Mary was an incredible cook and baker, often providing delicious treats for the bake sales at the Miamisburg Senior Center. She was feisty when crossed, but she had the kindest heart and the sweetest smile. She was always a sympathetic listener, offering commonsense advice. She was very proud of her four grandsons, and liked to brag about them. She was her daughter’s best friend, and they were often mistaken for sisters because she looked so young. Our Duckie was much beloved by all who knew her, and will live on in our hearts as we aspire to be more like her. There will be a Celebration of her Life, time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Miamisburg Senior Center, 305 E Central Avenue, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 or the West Carrollton Senior Center, 10 E Central Avenue, West Carrollton, Ohio 45449. Personal condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting the online website at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com