Zenobia Lillian Zawodny

Zenobia Lillian Zawodny, “Zanie,” age 97 and formerly of Warren, died Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at the Bramham Adult Foster Care Home in Clinton Township, Michigan. She was born December 19, 1922 in Detroit, daughter of the late Thaddeus and the late Lillian Tulak.

More affectionately known to all as “Zanie,” she will forever be remembered as a devoted homemaker, mom and grandma who dedicated herself to her housekeeping tasks. Zanie’s home was always in tip-top shape and a welcoming sanctuary for all who warmed her doorstep. Keeping the comforts of home & hearth in order was a priority for Zanie, and her guests always felt the warmth of love within her walls.

Along with keeping the house in order, Zanie will also be remembered for being a great cook. With her Polish heritage backing her up, she had a number of go-to recipes that could make your mouth water, yet could work her magic with some of the old, traditional favorites,…like her delicious tomato soup, and those incredible pancakes that often graced the breakfast table. She certainly knew her way around the kitchen and mealtimes were eagerly anticipated. If you left her table hungry, you simply weren’t tryin’.

When she found some time to herself, there was seldom a question as to where she was going next,…the Casino, of course. Somewhat her “home away from home,” there was definitely a sweet release in giving those One-Armed Bandits a workout, and Ol’ Lady Luck a run for her money. Even if she didn’t win, Zanie simply enjoyed sharing the anticipatory environment with her fellow dreamers. It was definitely an energy-driven form of entertainment.

On a bit lighter mode of gaming, Zanie loved playing cards with family and friends. Two of her favorites were Pinochle and Poker, both of which drew out that competitive side of hers. Nothing says fun quite like getting some players around the table, sharing in a little table banter while the cards are being slung,…then sitting back and watching the competition unfold. Add in an adult beverage or two, and now you’ve got a party!

Zanie’s card playing also involved sharing time with her grandchildren,…playing entirely different games, of course. But the family always got a charge out of watching Zanie navigate the waters of fun with the kids vs. how much she liked to WIN,…and she wasn’t averse to a little cheating to make that happen. It was always a hoot to watch that play out.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, there is no measure for how much Zanie loved her family. They were the light of her life and the calm amidst the storms. Though Zanie faced many trials as we all do, the telling aspect of her character is that she never complained. Her influences were positive and motivating, and reflections of Zanie will always quicken strength and encouragement for the day’s challenges. She touched a multitude of hearts and souls in her journey through life,…may she, now, rest in peace, safe in the arms of God.   

Zanie was the beloved wife of the late Eugene. Dearest mother of Eugene (Irene) Zawodny Jr., and Linda (Kevin) Legree-McCarthy. Loving grandmother of Brian Legree, Anthony (Meredith) Legree, Jeffrey (Kylie) Legree, and great-grandmother of Zenobia “Zanie”, Trammell, John, Andrew, Britta, Ellie, Ollie, and Charlie. She was preceded in death by siblings, Irene Scislowicz, Stanley Tulak, and Pat Music.

Zanie will lie in state on Monday, August 31st from 9:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights. MI 48313.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan. 

Please share memories of Zanie at her guest book below.