Jessie ZACHARIAS

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ZACHARIAS: After a lifetime of courage, unconditional love and perseverance, our own “very special Olympian” has entered eternity in heaven. Jessie Margaret Zacharias, the eldest of nine children, was born to Jake and Beth Zacharias in 1941 in Gladstone, MB. As a child she resided on the family farm in the Pine Creek district until moving to Brandon at the age of 16 where she lived most of her life, except for brief residencies in Drumheller, AB and Altona, MB. At the age of 17, Jessie began attending ARC Industries, a sheltered workshop promoting life skills. In 1967 she began attending COR Enterprises where she worked faithfully and joyfully until June 2004. There, her co-workers and staff became her dear friends. She was always motivated to work hard and to do her very best. Her last position at COR, as the receptionist/ greeter in the gift shop, gave her both pleasure and added responsibility. In 1991 she was awarded an engraved watch to commemorate over 20 years of continuous service. She participated in Special Olympics bowling and also in recreational bowling for many years. Jessie joined TOPS in 1992 and in exemplary fashion reached her KOPS status within a year. She then maintained her status with great diligence for well over a decade. Her commitment and dedication to her goals were an inspiration to many. She developed lasting friendships with her colleagues there. Her church and her extended family were the focus of Jessie’s life. She loved everyone unconditionally and expressively with hugs, smiles and animated accounts of her latest achievements. Birthdays, weddings, Christmases and all special events were well-anticipated and celebrated. Jessie, a woman of strong faith, was a lifetime member of McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church where she loved her church family, and served willingly in the nursery, showing a special aptitude with babies. In 1999 Jessie moved from her family home to reside with her dear sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and John Barbour, and her cherished nephews, Evan and Eric. Following a decline in health, she relocated to Fairview Home in January 2005. Left to celebrate a life well-lived are her seven siblings and their families: Betty Anne (Ken) Kilbrei, Jack (Toni) Zacharias, Ruth Zacharias, Shirley (Glenn) MacEachern, Edward (Susanne) Zacharias, Joan Zacharias, Gladys (John) Barbour, two aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her devoted parents, her step-mother, a brother in infancy, and one brother -in-law. A special thank you to to her sisters, Joan and Gladys, who gave countless hours of their time to help Jessie maintain a rich and rewarding life. We are grateful to Fairview staff, 1st floor, who demonstrated a special compassion for our beloved sister. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jessie’s memory can be made to COR Enterprises, 364 Park Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 7A8, where Jessie’s Dad served on the board with commitment and vision. Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 13, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Clarke’s Funeral Chapel, MacGregor with Pastor Darryl McAuley officiating. Interment will follow at the Austin Cemetery. Clarke’s Funeral Home, MacGregor in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2013