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Susan Zoltek, 81

 

Susan Jean (Elder) Zoltek, 81 of North Adams, MA died on Monday April 29, 2024 at home with her family by her side.

Sue was born in North Adams on March 22, 1943, a daughter of William John Elder and Ella Janet (Stalker) Elder. A dedicated student, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Drury High School and received her bachelor’s degree from UMass-Amherst and a master’s degree from North Adams State College.

Sue’s love of learning led to her career as a teacher where she taught 7th and 8th grade English at Brayton Junior High before stepping back to raise a family. She returned to teaching at Conte Middle School where she was a favorite 7th grade English teacher to hundreds of students who still recall the impression she left on them. She retired in 2006 and retained close friendships with her teaching peers, especially Debbie Bullett.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Adams. Sue was also a voracious reader. She and her childhood friends formed a book club that met regularly for many years. Sue’s friendships were dear to her and she passed many hours walking and talking with her close circle of friends. She was a committed gardener and took pride in creating the perfect edge in her mulch beds.

Sue and Francis Albert “Frank” Zoltek were married June 29, 1968 and remained in loving union until his death in 2005. She leaves her two beloved daughters, Sherri Tracey, and her husband Douglas, of East Greenwich, RI and Heather Regan and her husband, Dennis, of West Roxbury, MA. She was the devoted grandmother of Jillian and Finnegan Tracey and Frankie Regan, and aunt to several nieces and nephews including Brent Wiencek, with whom she shared an especially close relationship, and his two sons, Brayden and Blake. Sue was predeceased by her sister, Charlene Wiencek.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Susan Zoltek will be Friday May 3, 2024 at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church of North Adams with Rev. Steven Dale officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA are Thursday from 4-7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the AYJ Fund in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

 


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Sue Zoltek was an outstanding teacher, and a warm, compassionate person. I did my practicum teaching under her skilled leadership in 7th grade English in the 1990's. She helped me the most with classroom management which was my weakness. Sue made sure my lessons were engaging. "You have to hook your students into wanting to learn." I never forgot that inspiring insight. She was a gifted mentor who I will never forget.My sincerest condolences go out to her
loved ones. May Sue's name be for a blessing.
from: Margaret R. Larabeeon: 06-11-2024

A life long friend for us both, from elementary school through high school, and up to the present time. We miss our nearly monthly chats, emails, phone calls, visits over coffee in Williamstown that stretched on for several hours. We always picked up where we left off, catching up on news of other old friends in the area. Sue's wry sense of humor, warm wit, incredible memory, enjoyment of life, and strong will were just a few of her endearing attributes. She lived life well, and will be sorely missed by so many. What a legacy she leaves. We miss you, dear friend.
from: Pat and Bob McKeeon: 05-07-2024

I am saddened to hear that Sue passed. She was in my life from an early age as I was friends with Charlene. Sue was the big sister that was awesome. She was a beautiful person inside and out.
from: LYNDA SHAFERon: 05-05-2024

Heather, Sherri, and families: I am so sorry to hear that your mom passed. May your memories keep her close to you and give you comfort.
from: Debbie (Bullett) Darlingon: 05-03-2024

Sincest condolences to FRIENDS AND FAMILY
from: thomasmcgrory64@gmail.com on: 05-03-2024

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

For a golden woman and a golden teacher. This poem is forever in the minds and hearts of so many students. Rest in peace.
from: Lauren Skiffington on: 05-02-2024

Some of my fondest memories of middle school were with Mrs. Zoltek. A wonderful teacher and a wonderful woman, with a style to be admired and of course, great shoes!
You will be missed, remembered, and loved by many!
from: Casie (Johnson) Duplantison: 05-02-2024

So sad to hear of Ms. Zoltek’s passing. I still talk about memories from her class and how much of an impact she had on me. I hope all students get to experience a teacher just like her someday.
from: Ali Hageron: 05-02-2024

My deepest condolences to Sue's family at this difficult time. Sue will be reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Coach Frank Zoltek, both of whom were dear friends of the Roy family.
from: Mireille Royon: 05-02-2024

I'm saddened to hear of Mrs. Zoltek's passing. She was my favorite teacher in middle school. May she rest peacefully <3
from: on: 05-02-2024

RIP with FRANKIE, SUSAN
from: Bob Gallagheron: 05-02-2024

Both my kids were so lucky to have Sue at Conte. She was such a sweet lady and will be missed by so many. May she rest in peace.
from: Melinda Kirbyon: 05-02-2024

Alovely woman she was. She had this way about her. She made you feel like everything was ok in this world. Her smile was gentle and loving and real. She got people, and she cared about how you felt.I had the pleasure of having her as a Teacher at conte in the 7th grade. Twenty six years ago. Rest in peace Mrs. Zoltek. I hope she knew how great she was. Thankyou for being incredible.
from: Celeste Tagueon: 05-01-2024

I was so sad to hear of the loss of my favorite teacher. She was very kind and understanding to all. Her smile made my day and even long after I graduated we had wonderful conversations when we saw each other. I send prayers to her family and friends. Heaven truly received an angel.
from: Diane Englandon: 05-01-2024

Mrs. Zoltek was my English teacher in 1969 and I learned so much from her. Everyone loved her. May she rest in peace and my condolences to her family.
from: Hopeon: 05-01-2024

Sue was a beautiful person inside and out. She was one of my favorite teachers who I later called friend. She will be missed by so many. My prayers are with her family and everyone else who are mourning her loss.
from: Trevor Gilmanon: 05-01-2024

To Susan's Family, Susan was a very nice lady, she was one of my favorite teachers. I always said hi to her when I saw her walking. My Sincere Condolences for your loss.
from: BRIAN K MCNEILon: 05-01-2024

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