Sharon M Zakowski

Sharon M. Zakowski, 74 years old, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born on August 7, 1950 in South Bend, to the late Thadeus T. and Theresa M. (Cinal) Zakowski. She is also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, David Sizemore and Dennis Shaw; as well as her sister-in-law, Vickie Zakowski.

Left to cherish the memory of Sharon are her siblings, Linda Shaw, David Zakowski, Dianne Zakowski, Elaine Sizemore, Ted (Jennifer) Zakowski, and Paul (Diane) Zakowski; nieces, Amy (Matt Murphy) Shaw, Jennifer (Brian) Balta, Jill Zakowski, Jessica Zakowski, and Sydney Zakowski; nephews, Matthew Zakowski, Seth Sizemore, Ben Zakowski, and Nick Zakowski; a great-niece, Lucy Murphy; and a great-nephew, Miles Murphy.

Sharon dedicated 52 years to teaching in the Archdiocese of Chicago, spending over 30 of those years at St. Benedict the African Catholic School, where she retired. During her time there, she touched the lives of hundreds of children across multiple generations. Sharon was recently recognized by The University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education as a Champion of Education for her lifelong commitment to serving the mission of Catholic schools, particularly for communities on the margins.  Sharon was a graduate of Saint Mary's College and St. Joseph High School, as well as a graduate of St. Adalbert Grade School and a lifelong parishioner. She continued to support the parish through lifelong volunteering at festivals, fish fries, parish dances, and being an active member of the St. Adalbert Sisters' Auxiliary.

Sharon was also an avid sports fan, especially passionate about Notre Dame football and Chicago sports. She stayed current with sports news and loved talking ball. Above all, Sharon cherished her family. At gatherings, she was often found outside playing with her beloved nieces and nephews, sharing her warmth and joy with those she loved most.

Visitation for Sharon will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary to be prayed at 5:30 pm at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday, May 29, at St. Adalbert Catholic Church, corner of Olive and Huron Streets, South Bend. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend.

Donations in honor of Sharon M. Zakowski may be made to the St. Adalbert Church Restoration Fund.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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