EAST LONGMEADOW – Gilberta M. (Jacquel) Zayac, 88, who was known for her sweet and gentle nature, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on May 7, 2014. She was born in Holyoke to the late Gaston Jacquel and Adelina (Mignery) Bellerose and resided in Springfield for many years. She also lived in West Springfield before moving to her final home at East Village Place in East Longmeadow.
She was married to the late Edward J. Zayac for 63 years. She was a devoted homemaker and a wonderful mother who loved babies. Gilberta was a great cook who cooked many delicious meals, including Polish specialties, for her family. She was always willing, after dinner was done, to play a game of Go Fish or War. She was a best friend to each one of her children and loved her sons-in law and daughters-in-law as her own. Gilberta was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and excited about all the new great-grandchildren.
She leaves her sister, Marcel Rudek of Chicopee; her daughters, Linda Bates of Russell, and Susan Dowd and husband Kevin of Methuen; and sons, Paul Zayac and wife Linda of W. Springfield, Steven Zayac and his partner Martha Groet of Blandford, John Zayac and his wife Lisa of Westfield, and Michael Zayac and his wife Candace of Southbridge; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There will be a Funeral Home Service, Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to the Baystate Visiting Nurse & Hospice c/o Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Springfield, MA 01199.
www.toomeyobrien.com
