Mary Joan (Bright) Zuanich, 84, of Everett, WA, passed away on August 10, 2023. Mary was born to Mike and Nellie Bright in Wilmington, DE, on October 23, 1938. Growing up in Wilmington with her beloved parents, sister Joanne, and brother Michael, Mary graduated from Saint Paul’s Commercial School. In 1958, she married Ron Pokoyski, also from Wilmington, and traveled extensively for many years, raising their children and working for the US Government. She also enjoyed a career with Boeing, from where she retired after 28 years.
On February 15, 1992 Mary wed her soulmate, best friend, and husband of 31 years, Andy Zuanich. She loved living life and laughing with Andy in their home on the Snohomish Riverfront, being a mom and grandmother, cooking Italian meals, singing and dancing with Andy to the golden oldies, supporting the arts, visiting with friends, and attending book clubs. Her radiant smile, wholesome laugh, and unconditional love continued to be seen, heard, and felt by all even during the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Mary is survived by her husband Andy Zuanich, daughters Valerie Patenaude (Richard), Debbie Pennell (Alan), son Vincent Pokoyski, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and Andy’s son Jay Zuanich (Amanda), two grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and brother. The family is honoring Mary’s wishes of cremation and no services. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in memory of Mary Joan Zuanich to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.
Mary/Mom/Grams, know you’re greatly missed and so very loved. If given a final wish, it will be for us to again sit together at the dining room table, eating your incredible rigatoni and meatballs. You will have the ever-present dish towel draped over your shoulder, Dino singing in the background as you smile and relish being surrounded by family, refilling our plates, and sipping your vino. But this time you will finally agree to share your meatball and sauce recipes. That’s amoré, mamma! ❤️
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