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.