Anne S. Zukel

Anne Zukel passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, just nine days before her 103^rd birthday.  Anne was born on December 23, 1920, in Shirley, Massachusetts.  She was the only child of Joseph and Mary Swiryda.

Anne attended Fitchburg State University, graduating in 1943 with a degree in education.  She served as the assistant director of the USO in Corpus Christie, Texas, during World War II.  Following the war, she taught school in Massachusetts and Connecticut, including time at New Haven County Home, where she instructed disadvantaged teenage boys.

Anne became involved in real estate after inheriting her childhood home.  She purchased several homes in New Haven, Connecticut, that she renovated into small apartment buildings.  She also began her own all female realty company and became known for her pink “Anne Zukel Real Estate” signs.  Anne ended her career working in the zoning department of the Southern New England Telephone Company.

Anne was very active in politics.  She served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Fire Commission in her hometown of Hamden, Connecticut.  Anne also had a passion for antiques, which she turned into a successful business in both Connecticut and Indiana.

Anne enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to have been able to visit numerous locations throughout the world, including her parents’ homeland of Poland.  She and her husband, John, spent several weeks every winter in their favorite vacation spot, St. Maarten.

Anne and John moved from Connecticut to Westminster Village in Lawrence, Indiana, in December of 2005.  They joined St. Simon Catholic Church, where Anne was an active parishioner. 

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, John Zukel, in 2010.  They were married for 62 years.  She is survived by her daughters, Joanne Brasseur (Ken) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Katherine McGuiness (Kevin) of Lewes, Delaware, as well as 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Anne was loved and admired by many.  She was smart and determined, feisty and outspoken.  She made life interesting.  She will certainly be missed.

Donations on behalf of Anne may be made to Saint Simon the Apostle Catholic Church  and Westminster Foundation - Westminster Village North .  A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, please check back for updates.