Anna Zackaj

Anna (Sacher) Zackaj died suddenly and peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Joseph, son Thomas, and granddaughter Tori Zackaj, siblings, in-laws, and special sister-in-law Mary Kolupar. Anna is survived by daughters Rose (Dick) Sirianni and Kathy (Bill) Nielsen, daughter-in-law Joan Zackaj, and grandchildren Lucas Zackaj, Rachel Sirianni, Melanie and Nick Nielsen, as well as nieces and nephews. She was known as Grandma Anna by her family, friends, and neighbors whose lives she touched.

She was born in the former Yugoslavia and emigrated with her mother and brother to the United States in 1947. Anna and Joe met at Sacred Heart Parish where many immigrants from Yugoslavia gathered. Joe and Anna were united in marriage on May 16, 1953, at Sacred Heart Parish.

Anna lived a very full life. She took joy in traveling the United States and Canada to visit family. Anna enjoyed gardening, canning, knitting, reading, babysitting for her grandchildren and other children, and being a loyal Brewers fan. Her legacy of baking will live on through her grandchildren who she taught the art of making strudel, crescents, and pastries. Her strong faith was the forefront of her life and inspired many while she waited for the good Lord to call her home. She was well known for taking walks in the park and neighborhood while praying her rosary. As her ability to go for walks diminished, she could be found sitting outside on her favorite bench reading and greeting neighbors.

Special thanks to the staff at Zilber Family Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. There will be a private service and interment. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Anna’s name to Zilber Hospice, Wauwatosa would be appreciated.