Ann Zeek

Ann Zeek, 93, of Sparta, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 8, 2023 at Hackettstown Community Hospital, surrounded by her devoted children, Alison Marcinkowski, Barry Zeek, and her son-in-law, Fred Marcinkowski.

Ann, was born on February 2, 1930, to Noel and Charles Marsh in the Bronx, New York. When Ann was a teenager, her family moved to Denville, New Jersey, where she graduated Dover High School, and later married Eugene Zeek. They had five children, Robert, Jeffery, Valerie, Alison and Barry.

During the course of her life, she lived in Boonton, New Jersey, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Bensalem, PA. She moved to Knoll Heights in 1994 where she happily lived for 22 years. When she developed memory issues, she moved to Knollview assisted living, Sparta, where she was lovingly taken care of by the excellent staff for almost 3 years.

She became a single mother of four in 1973, worked three jobs, and took college courses during her lunch hour to take care of her family. She devoted her entire life to her children whom she fiercely loved. Her favorite career was being a mother and grandmother. To quote Ann “my children were all I ever wanted.”

Ann worked at Picatinny Arsenal for over 15 years, Sears, and Sparta Athletic Club. She enjoyed dancing, music, Broadway shows, and going to New York City. She was known for her love of God, strong faith, and love of her country. Her community service included teaching CCD for Blessed Kateri Catholic Church, volunteering to drive seniors to doctor’s appointments, and pretty much helping anyone in need. Her charitable works earned her a 2006 Sussex County Senior of the Year Award. Ann was a no nonsense kind of woman with an extremely quick wit and sense of humor.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, her beloved sister, Noelita Ghilon, infant son, Robert, and daughter Valerie Zeek.

Ann is survived by her children Jeffrey and his wife Dorothy of Summerfield, Florida, Alison and her husband Fred of Sparta, New Jersey, and Barry and his wife Jessica of Waxhaw, North Carolina. Her grandchildren; Breanne, Tory, Freddy, Taylor, Jada and Isabelle. Her Nephew Richard Ghilon, and his wife Mary Ellen, her niece Kathleen Goerke and her husband Matthew, and many great nieces and nephews.

A Roman Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held in late December, 2023, date to be determined, followed by her interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery East Hanover, NJ with a repast to follow. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com

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