Anna Marie "Nancy" Zander

Anna Marie “Nancy” Duffy Zander (nee Hounihan)

Anna Marie (Nancy) Zander peacefully departed this earth on June 8 in the home of her youngest son Pat and his wife, who had lovingly cared for her during the last nine years as her health declined. Nancy entered this world on May 23, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois to the joy of her parents, John Edward and Anna Marie Hounihan. She attended St. Barnabas Elementary School and graduated from Academy of Our Lady High School in 1952.
On May 14, 1955, Nancy married Joseph Duffy. Their union was blessed with three children, but, sadly, Joseph died in 1959. On April 20, 1963, Nancy married Raymond Zander and together they welcomed two more children, as well as his son, Robert, that Raymond and his deceased first wife had adopted. It was during this time she would become known as “Sergeant Major” to her kids.
While raising her family in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Nancy worked for a time as a librarian at Oak Lawn High School and was a den mother for eight years. She developed a group of lifelong friends who called themselves the “Pinochle Club”, but there was much more talking than playing when they got together!
In 1981, Ray and Nancy moved their family to Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, where they built their dream home. They were faithful members of St. Albert Catholic Church. Always wanting to be involved and busy, Nancy took up line dancing, joined a Domino Club, and got her neighbors to follow her lead in walking two miles every day. With Ray’s love of woodworking and Nancy’s organizational skills, they spent several years traveling the craft fair circuit, selling his wares and enjoying life.
An accomplishment Nancy was especially proud of was earning a 25 year KOPS award, which was highlighted in the local newspaper. She attended TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) regularly for many years and the ultimate kudo for this is to Keep Off Pounds Sensibly, which she managed to do ever after.
After Ray died and with her children grown, Nancy wanted to continue to live life to the fullest. She traveled to Europe, Canada, Ireland, Hawaii and all over the USA. She was still jet skiing in her 70’s and dancing to the music she loved. She truly had an adventurous spirit and a very full life.

Left behind to continue her legacy are her six children: Robert (Bert) Zander, Marty Zander, Jo-Anne Walker (Frank), Tom Zander (Pam), Rick Zander (Abby), Pat Zander (Lulu). She was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Olivia Zander, Margot Zander, Anna Zander, Pat Walker (Lori), Scott Walker (deceased), Mickey Walker (Tarah), Steven Walker (Ashley), Jeremy Slezak (Kim), David Slezak (Beth), Josh Slezak and Jake Zander. Additionally, the joy of seven great- grandchildren: Bryce Walker, Lexi Walker, Callen Walker, Graham Walker, Brady Walker, Lukas Slezak, and Elianna Slezak. Nancy’s siblings are Mary Therese Duffy, Tom Hounihan (Kathy), and Kathy Cole (Marty).
There will be a visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel in New Lenox, IL on Friday, June 14th, from 4:00-8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St Louis de Monfort Catholic Church in Oak Lawn, IL on Saturday, June 15, at 10:30 AM with internment to follow in St Mary’s Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL.

In Lieu of flowers Memorials in Anna's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Alzheimer's Association.