Obituary of Joanne V. Zilavy

Joanne V. (McKeown) Zilavy, 90, born August, 22, 1925, passed away February 13, 2016. Preceded in death by her husband, Leo B. Zilavy and daughter, Kathleen McClard. Survived by children: Theresa (William) West, Andrea (Douglas) Burton, Daniel (Pamela) Zilavy, Patricia Zilavy and son-in-law, Robert McClard, eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was born to Bernard W. McKeown and Catherine R. (Conley) McKeown in Philadelphia and moved to Newton, Massachusetts when she was three years old. Joanne attended Dana Hall and after graduation she attended Smith College until her parents relocated to Tucson for her mother's health. She then transferred to the University of Arizona where she completed her degree in Economics in 1946. She worked for the Audio Visual Department at the University until 1956. Joanne and Leo met at St. Ambrose through the Cathadult Club where they were charter members. Joanne and Leo were married in 1956 and started a family right away. They lived in the same house on Baxter Avenue for over 30 years which was the first house built in the area. It was the gathering place for the every child from the neighborhood on a regular basis. We enjoyed an idyllic childhood, street ball, hide-and-seek, running through the sprinklers until Joanne would call us home at 5:00 o'clock with an old, broken slide whistle. Joanne was an active member of the St. Francis Cabrini Church choir where she enjoyed singing every Sunday at Mass. She had the most beautiful soprano voice and was a professionally trained musician. She was also an excellent golfer and a serious poker player. Our mother was a very kind and giving soul. She never complained about anything and was a very true stoic Irish woman. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, appreciated a good practical joke and would become helpless with laughter. At her request no one is to wear black to her funeral, so if you plan to attend please wear something colorful to celebrate her life.