Frances (Kuca) Zak, age 102, of Shelton, the beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Zak, entered eternal life peacefully on July 9 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Derby, CT, on February 18, 1922, to the late Frank and Josephine (Drozdz) Kuca. She lived a happy and fulfilled life in Shelton and was a devoted loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Frances so enjoyed life and everyone enjoyed her company.
Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory and who will miss her deeply, her children: Marilyn Jespersen (Neil), Richard Zak (Chantal) and Patricia Ostrom. She also leaves her grandchildren who loved her dearly: Lisa Fico (David), Kristen Pierce (Michael) and David Ostrom (Colleen) along with her great grandchildren Daniel Fico, Jason Fico, Matthew Pierce, Katelyn Pierce, Keira Ostrom, and her sister, Sally Kuca Muratori. Frances was predeceased by her daughter Lorraine, and her siblings Fred Kuca, John Kuca, Eugene Kuca, Frank Kuca, Jr. and Mary Kuca Jeanetti.
Frances was a long time member of Shelton’s Senior Center through which she took numerous trips and made many lasting friends. She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Derby and attended St. Michael School and Shelton High School. She enjoyed many Polish events at Warsaw Park and loved cooking great Polish meals for her family. Gardening was her special hobby, loving a yard filled with color. Frances was an avid weekly card player of Poker and Pinochle and she truly enjoyed the socialization that came with those get togethers. She always was ready for a trip to the casino. Frances, with family and friends, traveled throughout the United States and to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Australia and Canada. She especially enjoyed taking her young grandchildren to Disney World. Her loving nieces and nephews often called her and that truly made her day. Her family meant the world to her and she was dedicated to providing many opportunities for them.
Frances will always be remembered for her great energy, caring nature, generosity and devotion to her family. When there was a need, she was the first to help. Her children’s friends called her Mom, even to this day. Frances will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Living a long and rewarding life, she was an inspiration to many.
Friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Wednesday July 17 in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave. Shelton. The family will greet attendees from 10:30 AM prior to the beginning of the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.riverviewfh.com.
