Nora Margaret Zachau Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Nora Margaret ZachauOctober 16, 1933 - January 22, 2023 Nora Margaret Zachau (nee Lemas), affectionately known as Margaret, passed awaypeacefully on Sunday, January 22nd at the age of 89. She was born and raised inTucson to Santiago Lemas and Emilia Cepeda. Margaret met her future husband, George Vernon Zachau, while they were working atHughes Aircraft. They married in 1957. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage beforeGeorge's passing in 2020. They raised 3 children and are survived by them: DeniseZachau Gebes (Tom), David Zachau, and Eric Zachau; 3 grandchildren, Elyse GebesIngham (Harry), Erin Gebes, and Brandon Zachau; along with 2 great grandchildrenRosie and Raegan Ingham. Margaret is also survived by her brother Manny Lemas(Lee). Her brother Jimmy Lemas (Georgia) and sister Mary Jo Lemas Yrun (Mario),have passed on before her. Margaret, also known as Mom, Grandma, and Gigi, was a wonderful comforting personwho we would like to pay tribute to in our own words. From Elyse: "I shared a unique connection with my Grandma Zachau. As a lover of music, art, andfood, she was my kindred spirit in nearly all ways. We found an easy companionshipwith hour long phone calls, chats over a good meal, and lasting memories of our intrepidand slightly ill-fated but fun train trip when I was twelve.As a devout woman of faith, she sought joy in all things. Happiness and laughterradiated from her. I can't think of a single time we didn't share a side-splitting laughwhen together. I'm grateful for the constant little reminders of her and the lasting impression she madeon not only myself, but on my girls who will grow up with fond memories of their "Gigi".Despite profoundly feeling her loss, I am filled with an inexplicable feeling of levity andjoy. I know she has gone on to be with Grandpa, and the Lord to whom she committedher long and meaningful life." From Erin: "My Grandma Zachau was one of those electric people with a certain sort of charismathat could not go unnoticed. Whether I was around her with family, at social events, justout and about or at a restaurant, she had a way of bringing positive energy and fun thatattracted everyone to be around her. I always knew I did not need to be worried aboutbeing bored when in her presence, amd could always count on smiling and laughingwhen I got the chance to see her. Besides all the fun and joy that Grandma brought toall of our lives, she was also one of the most kind people that would give the benefit ofthe doubt and make you feel better in any situation. She had a way to diffuse Grandpa ifhe'd get impatient, and she once told me the secret to life and marriage is to just letanything go in one ear and out the other. Some of my favorite Grandma-isms are whenshe'd slap her knee and yell "Hot Dog!", or when she'd call other drivers jackasses(even on her way to church which I think is allowed as long as you go to church thatweek). I will miss my Grandma Zachau dearly, but I'm so grateful I was able to spend 28 yearson this earth with her and know she is up in Heaven with the Lord and having a greattime and reunited with Grandpa.Much love, Erin - aka her favorite grandchild" From David: "I'd like to mention Mom's award winning Interior Design career, in addition to all thewonderful memories she provided for us kids. Room mother for all of us, alwaysensuring we had beautiful fun holidays, Halloween costumes (many made by hand),school party treats she would bake, etc." From Eric: "One of the things I miss as a truck driver is being with the family and having nice homecooked meals. I really liked when Mom or Denise would make good meals. And Momwas really good with birthday meals. I remember my kindergarten birthday party Momhosted still to this day. I really appreciated that she was a good cook. These are someof the things that are good memories. I'm also really glad that so many peoplerecognized that Mom was a very kind and loving person." From Tom: "Margaret was always about enjoying life, especially through food. I do not think sheever met a food she did not like. She also made friends easily and would talk toanyone, even though she had not met them before. The staff at Splendido had manynice things to say about Margaret as she befriended them. She made an impression onall she met." From Denise: "As the oldest child, only daughter, and now a senior myself, I have many years ofwonderful memories of Mom. As a child, Mom always made sure we looked welldressed. I remember a pretty pink dress and cape she sewed for me for Easter andhow the boys looked sharp in their outfits. I also remember a Halloween outfit shemade for me, a 3 headed purple monster! She was involved with our schooling as ahomeroom mom, and the Neighborhood Cookie Chairwoman for my Girl Scout troop.Our dining room was completely covered in boxes of cookies. Mom had a love of trains and a fear of flying. We traveled for 3 days by train crosscountry for our move from Arizona to Pennsylvania. We "kids" were 7, 5, and 3 yearsold respectively. We had a blast running up and down the train! My mom shared withmy Dad a love of camping. We'd camp by tent or tent trailer. We all loved those timestogether. Mom was a very devout Catholic who never wanted to miss a Sunday mass.One time when we were camping, she suddenly decided we needed to go to mass eventhough we were remote in the mountains. So there we were in a tiny mountain churchwhere everyone knew each other except us. We were in our campfire scented jeansand boots. It was during the years when girls and women had to cover their heads witha veil or hat. We had neither so Mom had me put a Kleenex on my head. I wasmortified as an early teen! When I graduated from high school, Mom graduated fromcollege with a degree in Interior Design. She maintained straight A's! She went on tobe a very good designer winning awards at several Parade of Homes. Mom was not only a talented designer and a good Mom to us 3 kids but was a fungrandma to our daughters and granddaughters. She loved being with them, reading tothem, playing games, and having silly laughs with them. Made my heart feel goodUpon retirement from Design, Mom enjoyed quilting, a little Tai Chi, and going out toeat! She loved her desserts and passed that trait on to me, her granddaughters, andgreat granddaughters. As I stated earlier, Mom was a devout Catholic. She became a Communicant whodelivered communion to those who were homebound. Recently, that service was paidforward to her. Her deep faith was and is a tribute to her and a blessing I appreciate more as I get older. I know Mom is in Heaven with the Lord, and now reunited with Dadwhom she so missed. We love you Mom, miss you, but know you are in a far better place. You and Dadbrought us great joy that hopefully we can carry forward to our families and loved ones." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:1. Little Sisters of the Poor2. Catholic Charities There are no gallery images.