Laura "Edie" Zarek
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Laura Edith "Edie" Zarek, 87, formerly of 65 Meadowview Drive in Cheshire, MA, passed peacefully on May 31, 2021, in Jupiter, Florida. Edie was born on December 11, 1933, in Lanesboro, MA, the daughter of Herbert and Mary Langer Girard. She lived most of her life in Cheshire and moved to New Hampshire and ultimately to Florida to be closer to family due to failing health. She married Walter Michael Zarek in 1954 with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. She was a devoted wife and mother. Affectionately known as "Mrs. Clorox", Edie took pride in keeping a clean home and was a master of organization. A communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Edie was a frequent volunteer and servant. She was a member of the "Merry Maids" team that cleaned the church and served as Church Secretary for many years. In that capacity, she ran a tight ship and her reputation as such continues to this day. Edie cared deeply for her neighbors and community. She worked for many years as a teacher's assistant at Cheshire Elementary School. She often spoke of the wonderful teachers and students she met during her time there. Edie was a joy to be around and was always willing to help others. She was incredibly intelligent, had a devilish sense of humor and loved to play cards and games. She was also highly competitive and hated to lose! Walt and Edie loved to travel, especially to casino destinations, with their neighbors and best friends, Ed and Zel Betit. The girls loved to play the slots and would often lose track of time if they were on a hot machine. Edie was known for her generous spirit and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. She will be missed by so many. She was predeceased by her husband Walter Michael Zarek. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Zarek of Jupiter, Florida (Ellyn), her daughters Linda Michaels of Sunset, South Carolina (Kenneth), and Lisa Zarek of Lutz, Florida (Daniel); and her brother Lawrence David Girard of Adams, MA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Corey Michaels, Christopher Michaels, Cody Michaels, Mary Ellyn Zarek, and Bradley Zarek, and her great-grandchildren Ethan and Brayden, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her sister-in-law, Isabelle Girard and her nine children also held a special place in Edie's heart. She was predeceased by her brother Harold Girard, sister Katherine Girard, and her grandson Scott Zarek. A Funeral Mass for Laura Edith Zarek will be held at 10 am on Saturday July 24, 2021, at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church in Cheshire MA. Burial will follow in Cheshire Cemetery. At Laura's request, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 159 Church Street, Cheshire, MA 01225.