Katherine A. Zauner

Born on September 6, 1929, in Queens, New York, Katherine was the beloved daughter of Frank E. Sherin and Ellen Sherin. She was raised in Lynbrook, New York, where she developed the strong values, faith, and love of learning that would guide her throughout her life. Katherine graduated from St. John's University and later New York University, where she met the love of her life, Nicholas Joseph Zauner. They shared a loving marriage of 54 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Katherine devoted herself to raising her five children while also pursuing a meaningful career in education. She served as a faculty member of colleges on Long Island, New York, and in Florida, teaching communications and inspiring students with her love of language, learning, and self-expression. Her faith was always at the heart of her life. At Our Lady Catholic Church in Venice, she lifted her voice in the choir and found fellowship and inspiration through Bible study.

Katherine carried a lifelong love of the arts and could often be heard singing in her home, a gift she had shared while entertaining others as a young woman. In her later years she developed a profound passion for poetry, publishing several books and hundreds of poems, touching readers with her insight, faith, humor, and reflections on life. In 2007 and 2010, she was honored as Florida's Senior Poet Laureate. She also delighted in photography. Her photographs filled the walls of her kitchen and home, inviting conversation and offering glimpses of the beauty she saw in the world.

Her passion for learning never faded, and those who knew her will remember her kindness, strength, generosity, deep faith, and enduring curiosity. Her love, wisdom, creativity, and example will remain a lasting gift to everyone whose life she touched.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Nicholas Joseph Zauner; and her brother, Pete Sherin. She leaves behind a family who will carry her love and memory forward: her children, Thomas J. Zauner (Bobbi Jo), John F. Zauner (Leslie), James N. Zauner (Julia), Mary Beth Faroudi (Raymond), and Peter T. Zauner (Tracey); as well as her many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Katherine on October 10, 2026, at Kays-Ponger & Uselton, 1935 Tamiami Trail, Venice, Florida. Viewing and visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a family service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Katherine's memory may make a memorial contribution to Our Lady Catholic Church, Venice, Florida.

Katherine will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through her family, her faith, her teaching, her poetry, and the countless lives she enriched during her extraordinary 97 years.