Marian A. Zaugg
Marian A. Zaugg, 95, of Northford, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2018 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in Rockaway, NY on July 5, 1923, a daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Wiesenhoefer Opelt. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Fred Zaugg. Marian will be remembered by her children and their spouses, Janice & Fred Santa of Northford, Patricia Ullmer of Midland Park, NJ, Jeffrey & Verena Zaugg of Newcastle, ME, and Steven & Karen Zaugg of Stockholm, NJ; grandchildren, Brian Santa & his wife Christine, Travis Santa & his wife Katie, Dominique & Ciara Zaugg, and Sean & Caity Ullmer; great-grandchildren, Ava, Drew, Camryn, Christian, and Noah; and niece and nephew, Vivian Opelt and Robert Zaugg. She was predeceased by her brother, Vincent Opelt. Marian grew up in Hudson County, New Jersey before marrying Fred in 1943. During the war they lived in Delray Beach, Florida before settling in Bergen County, New Jersey, where they raised their children. Marian was a parishioner of St. Luke's Parish in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey for over 40 years. After retiring, Marian and Fred moved to Northford, where they lived with their daughter and son-in-law. During this time she became a Communicant at St. Francis Cabrini Church. While a New Jersey resident, Marian was a member of the American Legion and a Lioness in the Lions Club. Marian's main focus in life was her family. She was a supportive wife, loving mother, caring grandmother, and giving friend. Her beautiful smile will be missed by all. Friends are invited to join Marian's family on Friday, July 27th at 11:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave., North Haven followed by her burial in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marian's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or the CT Humane Society,701 Russell Road, Newington CT 06111.
My Dear Mother passed from her mortal life into eternal glorious life in Heaven with Jesus, Mary and all the angels and saints . She was a faithful servant of God all her life and desired to share her faith with everyone she knew. She inspired those she encountered along life’s journey to always be thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed on us and to pray fervently especially in times of distress.Pray the rosary and pray often she would say and she spent countless hours in prayer for her family and friends. We will miss her earthly presence but understand that God wanted her home with Him. Mom, I love you always and will miss you until we are together again in eternal life. Give dad my love! Hug Jesus for me!
I will always remember Aunt Marian for all the kindness and love she gave so generously. She was a gentle and kind soul and I think of our time together in these past few years as a gift that will continue for all my days. I feel so blessed and fortunate that we had connected in recent years after many years of me in Ohio. We shared a love of cats and animals and I learned so much from her about my Dad’s and her side of the family from Germany and Ireland, and all their history which brought them to this country. My heart goes out to Jan, Jeff, Steve and Patti and their families and am thankful we will be together as we say goodbye to your mom on Friday. Aunt Marian I will miss you and love you always–Vivian Opelt
My family and I lived four houses down from Mr and Mrs Zaugg, Mr. Zaugg, in a small nothrern Nj town back in the 60’s and 70’s. Steve and I were friends and to this day, still are…. Mr. Z (Big Fred) was a very proud, hard working guy who owned a thriving business back in the day. And Mrs. Z,, she was the family icon. kept everything together and managed a very busy household. And in her spare time, helped Big Fred, manage his business. I spent a lot of time hanging out at the Zaugg residence. And Mrs. Z always treated me so well… Almost like a member of the family. She was first and foremost, a wonderful woman with a huge heart. And one of the most devoted mom anyone could wish for. After high school graduation, my family moved to another part of the state. And I went off to college in New England. But each time I would visit, Mrs. Z welcomed me with open arms. I spoke with Mrs. Z when she moved up to CT. She appeared so very happy to be near her oldest daughter and her grand kids . And I will also never forget that phone conversation, because it was very special. After several minutes of playing catch up, Mrs Z. told me how much she always cherished the fact that I was Steve’s friend and that she would always consider me part of the Zaugg. family. That comment is one I will never forget…. Nor will I ever forget you Mrs. Z….. May God Bless you, Mrs Zaugg……. Jim Linquito
My memories of Mrs. MOM Zaugg go back to when Jan and I were best, inseparable friends in High School. My home life was terrible and Marion took me in so many times. I remember her ironing in the kitchen, and how we used to sit at the table and talk. I remember her laugh and what a hard worker she was. When Jan and I wanted to go out I remember the words….take Patty. and we’d groan. I envied Jan and her family because I so wanted that closeness they had and I didnt. I remember her business at dynotype in Waldwick…sometimes We’d help her do whatever we could. I only wish I could have hugged her one last time and told her how much she meant to me. I know she’s with the Lord, with her Fred and with her family in Heaven and she’s happy. Death is not in the dying, it’s in the hearts of the people left behind. This open wound will become a scar one day to remind me what a wonderful, loving person she was. RIP