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Martha Zemanek Obituary
Martha Zemanek, 87, passed away peacefully in Petaluma on Oct. 31. Devoted wife for 59 years to the late William Zemanek. Loving mother of Mayor-elect Stephen M. (Jerri) Hardy of Vacaville, Marti Sorentino of Petaluma, Bill (Susan) Zemanek Jr. of Richmond, Susan (Jim) McCormick of Pleasant Hill and the late Craig Melvin Hardy. She was the cherished grandmother of Kathleen Stillings, Shannon Hardy, Marc Martinez, Stephen M.C. Hardy, Reina Starke, Craig Miguel Hardy, James McCormick Jr. and Jeffery W. McCormick. Survived by 12 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Robert Melvin and the late Wilma "Babe" Renear.
Martha was born on Sept. 19, 1923 to Fidelia and Robert Melvin and grew up in San Francisco. Her father and mother were originally from Winters and Vacaville. She graduated from Lowell High with Carol Channing as her high school big sister. Martha married Harold Hardy in 1941 and had Stephen, Marti and Craig. She divorced and married Bill Zemanek in 1951, adding Bill Jr. and Sue to the clan.
Martha and Bill moved to Petaluma in 1990 and enjoyed their retirement traveling, fishing, attending concerts and once meeting Sonny and Cher. They were also active in Petaluma with the Elks and Moose lodges. Martha, or "Grammy," loved having her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always close at hand. Her family was always the treasure of her life. There was not a problem too big for her to take on and she gave so much of herself to helping others in her life. As she always said, "God Bless Us All."
A celebration of Martha's life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #901, 2105 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954. Please call (925) 324-1636 for more information.
Family assisted by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, (707) 763-4131.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Zemanek
2 Entries
Sheila Conway
November 9, 2010
Martha was always a happy person, with a ready smile and a good joke. She loved her family and her friends. We will miss her.
JESSICA CERAR
November 8, 2010
Martha was always fun and sweet. She loved playing bunco and always had a cute smile. In addition, she wrote the sweetest notes.
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