Mrs. Mary Anne Zawada, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at her home with her loving family by her side. Mary Anne was born in Utica on October 29, 1950, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Marion (Tanner) Merna. She was raised locally, was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy, MVCC and SUNY Brockport. Mary Anne was a teacher at Sacred Heart and other local schools, fulfilling her vocation for 25 years. She and her mentor, Mary Kate Rinko started the Sacred Heart Summer Program in 1987 and ran it for many years. Mary Anne was totally devoted to her family and friends and was proud of her Irish heritage. Arts and crafts were a significant part of her life. She enjoyed making handmade gifts for her loved ones. Since she was a little girl, she loved to care for animals. She shared her love of nature, art and reading with her children and grandchildren. Mary Anne found solace and joy swimming outdoors with family and friends. She valued her friendships and all who knew her treasured her witty sense of humor, which she maintained up to the very end of her life. Mrs. Zawada is survived by her loving husband, Raymond J. Zawada; six children and their spouses, Megan Barella, Benjamin Barella and his wife SooHyun Kim, Abigail and Jonathan Beachella, James Zawada, Raymond Zawada and Sharyn Martin and Shannon Zawada; seven cherished grandchildren, Julianna, Zurie, Phoenix, Taj, Tristan, Rumi and Hunter; sisters and brothers, Suzanne and Herbert Dorn, William and Dawn Merna, David Holmes and Wendy Robertson; uncle and aunt, Bernard and Verna Nelson as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving are many friends, including longtime friends, Susannah and Thomas Quayle and Melanie Piechowicz. Relatives and friends are invited to Mary Anne's celebration of life service on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Interment will be held at the convenience of her family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00-5:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Thea Bowman House, the Children's Miracle Network or the Abraham House in Mary Anne's memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary Anne's family would like to thank everyone who has been so kind and helpful in recent months, especially our care giving angel, Debi Demko and the Hospice Team.