Mary Zultak, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, who lived a life full of faith and unconditional love for her family, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at the incredible age of 103.

Born in Jersey City, NJ on May 3, 1921, to parents Rocco and Rosina Annicchiarico, she had six siblings, all of whom have predeceased her: Augustino (Augie), Benjamin (Bennie), Michael (Mikey) and Katherine (Katie), Catherine and Rocco Jr. She married the only man she ever loved, Felix Zultak, on May 24, 1941. They were blessed with four children: Rose Marie, Felicia, Patricia and Felix Jr. Their family continued to grow with ten grandchildren: Patricia, John, Michele (Johan), Debbie (Ryan), Anthony (Mina), Christina, Raymond, David (Jennifer), Alicia  and Kimberly. Eleven great-grandchildren: Maria (Chris), Christopher (Rebecca), Mark, Miko, Zen, Logan, Lauren, Evan, Jillian, Olivia, Benjamin and Brooklyn; and two great-great-grandchildren: Jack and MiaRose. Mary had two son’s-in-law who were a big part of her life: Jack McDaniel (predeceased) and James Fleming, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Everyone who met Mary knew she was a special woman and absolutely loved her! Her witty demeanor was infectious, and in later years, her nurturing soul awarded her the title of ‘Nanny’. By definition, ‘Nanny’ is a person, in particular a woman, employed to look after a child in their own home. This name was ever so fitting as she once nurtured and took care of each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren. Our dearest Nanny was like no other. She devoted her life to her family, to God and was a true matriarch at the center of every family gathering. She enjoyed reading romance novels, cooking meals for her family, watching Westerns, game shows and the Miami Heat. She loved a cold Coors Light or glass of wine and looked for any opportunity to hit the casino and play the slot machines. She was unfiltered, sassy, a riot to be around, and a true kid at heart.

Throughout her 103 year life, she lived during some of the most important world events – the Roaring 20s, The Great Depression, Pearl Harbor and WW2 to name a few. Fun fact, she was 19 years old when the first McDonald’s opened (Nanny always loved a good cheeseburger). Her parents hailed from Bernalda, Italy, the Southern Italian region of Basilicata and when arriving to Ellis Island in 1907, they planted roots in Jersey City. Nanny was rich in her Italian culture which was evident in the meals she cooked. Her homemade meatballs and gravy were a signature dish – no recipes, no measuring and love was the key ingredient. She sung Italian songs and perfected the art of making Struffoli, an Italian dessert also known as Honey Balls. 16 years ago, her daughter, Patti, took her on the trip of a lifetime and together they went to Italy. Everyone knew Nanny dreamed of visiting her parent’s homeland, and we can all feel joy knowing her dream became a reality.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished and her influence will remain in the lives of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that memorial donations be made to St. Jude, a charity that was very close to her heart.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday June 3, 2024, from 1pm until 4pm, with a prayer service beginning at 3pm, at our University Drive chapel: 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd Panciera Family Funeral Care.