Alma Jean Duda Zima – West Newton
On May 1, 2023, Alma Jean Duda Zima, 86, of West Newton, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was a friend to everyone she met, a kind and gentle soul who always put others before herself. She was born on Nov. 10, 1936, in Naomi, and is the daughter of the late Nick and Helen Duda Rapsack. She was a member of Holy Family Church in West Newton. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Joseph Zima; her four children, Cheryl McClain, JoAnne (Ed) Geshinsky, Karen Zima (Ron Long) and Joseph Jr. (Christe) Zima; her seven grandchildren, Melanie (Paul), Sarah, Allison, Jill, Jamie, Julie and Joseph III; her two step-grandchildren, Matt and Eddie; one great-grandson, Clay; her three brothers, Nick (Mandy) Rapsack, Terry (Dawna) Rapsack and Martin Rapsack; one sister, Kathy Rapsack; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her greatest joy was being “Granny” to her grandchildren for 35 years. She spent most of her “Granny” years helping to raise and nurture her grandkids and teach them how to keep their Polish heritage strong with holiday traditions and food preparations. She was a fantastic sewer, baker, cook, gardener and craftswoman, and she loved passing her skills onto her children and grandchildren. She liked building puzzles and watching, feeding and learning about birds. She delighted in growing flowers and watching the changing colors of crops and hay fields growing on the family farm. Special thanks to the caregivers from OSPTA therapy, home health and hospice for their kindness and care over the past year. Per Alma’s wishes, there will be no public viewing. Family and friends will be received at 10 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, for a funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, 225 N. Second St., West Newton, with Father Dave Nazimek as celebrant. Everyone is invited to a reception in the church hall following Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-5300, www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Church.
