Mary Ann (Pluth) Zakrajsek

Mary Ann Zakrajsek, 67 of Richland, WA passed away April 3, 2017. Mary Ann was born in Chisholm, Minnesota on June 19, 1949 to Anton and Ann Pluth.  She spent many beautiful moments with her grandparents and numerous cousins and with her parents camping and fishing on many of Minnesota’s beautiful lakes.

She attended the Chisholm schools and graduated from Chisholm High School in 1967.  During those years she made many lifelong friends and developed her interest in nursing. Mary Ann attended St. Cloud School of Nursing and graduated in 1970 as a Registered Nurse.  She began to date her future husband Marty Zakrajsek in 1967 and on August 29, 1970 was united in marriage to Marty at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chisholm.

Mary Ann’s two children Brian and Tanya were born in Chisholm, MN on December 23, 1974 and September 25, 1976.  She was a devoted mother and as proud of her children as any mother could be with their accomplishments throughout their young lives and their graduation from College.  She participated in Tanya’s graduation as a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree by pinning her during her graduation ceremony.  She was equally proud of her son Brian when he received his BS degree in Genetics and Masters of Business Administration degree.  The birth of her first grandson Aiden O’Neill was a joyous moment for her, as was the addition of her grandchildren Captain and Brooklyn when son Brian married Jackie Osborne.  The addition of Brian and Jackie’s daughter Brianna Francis, named after Brian, Brian’s Mother and Father, also held a special place in Mary Ann’s heart.

Mary Ann was a very well known, well liked, and highly respected member of the Tri-Cities medical community.  She started work at Kennewick General Hospital in 1982 and spent most of her working years in the Intensive Care Unit where she mentored many young nurses and was a resource for both nurses and doctors.  Her last working years were spent in the ER where she again became highly respected for her knowledge and skills.  She retired from there in 2009.

Through the years of raising her children Mary Ann became acquainted with many young people who quickly learned to take advantage of Mary Ann’s philosophies of life and advice on a wide variety of topics important to young people growing into adulthood.  Her home became a second home to many of them, and everyone called her Mom.  Mary Ann was extremely talented in cooking, sewing, crafting, quilting, and in many other ways.  Mary Ann loved to entertain and she hosted many beautiful holiday dinners and yard parties.

Mary Ann is survived by Martin Zakrajsek, husband; Brian & Jackie Zakrajsek, son & daughter-in-law; Tanya Zakrajsek, daughter; John & Barbara Pluth, brother & sister-in-law; William & Lisa Pluth, brother & sister-in-law; grandchildren: Captain Osborne (Brian & Jackie), Brooklyn Osborne (Brian & Jackie), Aiden O’Neill (Tanya), Brianna Zakrajsek (Brian & Jackie); Barbra Zakrajsek, Regina Zakrajsek and Lisa Zakrajsek (Michael Murphy), sisters-and-law. 

She was preceded in death by: Anton Pluth, father; Ann (Smokrovich) Pluth, mother; Angela Pluth, sister-in-law and Hannah Means, niece.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:00pm. 

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.