Anajean Zurek Hauber-Kopkowski

Anajean “A.J.” Zurek Kopkowski, age 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 11, 2025, after years of living with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born August 1, 1935, in Buffalo, NY, to Mary A. Zurek and Joseph A. Zurek. The Zurek family was proud of their Polish heritage.

A.J. graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Kenmore, NY and earned a degree in early childhood education from Rosary Hill College (now Daemen University), later receiving a teaching certificate from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She taught elementary school for several years and remained passionate about education and spiritual growth throughout her life.

She married Joseph A. Hauber, Jr. in 1961, and they raised four children in Solana Beach, CA: Mary Kay Hauber (Natori Moore), Maureen Belk (Ron), Margo Durand (Olivier), and Mark Hauber (Elaine). A.J. later earned a master’s degree in Religious Education from the University of San Diego and in 1985 published A Way of the Cross for the Separated and Divorced.

In 1998, A.J. married Peter M. Kopkowski. They were active founding members of the Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Community in San Diego, CA. A.J. also enjoyed gardening, cooking, dancing, music, and travel.

A.J. is survived by her husband, Peter, her four children, and seven grandchildren: Elise Durand, Marguerite Durand, Hannah Belk, Anaïs Durand, Ryan Belk, Riley Hauber, and Olivia Hauber.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in A.J.’s name to Father Joe’s Villages (my.neighbor.org), Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Community of San Diego (mmacc.org), or Roman Catholic Women Priests.org (romancatholicwomenpriests.org).

A.J.’s final resting place is El Camino Memorial Park, San Diego, CA.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O God, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”