Amy Seltzer Zisa

Amy Zisa Obituary

Amy Seltzer Zisa, 72, of West Hartford, beloved wife of the late Thomas Zisa, passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 23, 2023.

Surviving family members include her son, Joshua Zisa and his wife Kimberly; and her daughter, Sarah Penndorf and her husband David; as well as her adored grandchildren, Charlotte and Thomas Zisa, and Vander and Terra Penndorf. Amy is also survived by her brother, Michael Seltzer; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. In addition to her husband, Amy was predeceased by her parents, Barbara and Milton "Mickey" Seltzer.

As a lifelong resident of West Hartford, Amy graduated from Conard High School in 1969 and was a longtime employee of West Hartford Public Schools as a paraeducator and other roles. She led a life dedicated to her family, first to her husband, then her two kids and their families. As a parent, it gave Amy tremendous satisfaction to see her values, priorities, and sacrifices realized in the successful and happy lives of her children. She radiated joy and pride in their accomplishments and would happily share details with those around her. As a grandparent, Amy relished in watching her four grandchildren grow. She especially enjoyed cooking with Charlotte, watching Thomas play baseball, reading with Vander, and playing dress up with Terra. Amy's canine companions were also treated as family and brought her great pleasure during her lifetime. Amy found happiness in her long-lasting friendships and tight-knit communities including her neighborhood of over 40 years where her kindness was easily reciprocated. She was a giving, loyal confidant to those who were close to her. Throughout her life, Amy was known to be a skilled cook, always trying new dishes and taking great satisfaction in sharing her creations and the recipes with friends and family. She had a wide-ranging repertoire, but she was especially known for her all-day-simmering pasta sauce and sourdough bread. Along with being a talented cook, Amy also had a knack for spotting trends early, finding beautiful and hidden details in everyday life. Never wanting anyone to fuss over her, Amy did not want a service in her honor. Instead, her family will host a private Celebration of Life. Please email: [email protected] for details.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Shirley Joseph

October 14, 2023

I met Amy when Sarah and Elizabeth (my daughter) were at Quaker Lane Nursery School together. We became very close friends and would frequently get together with the girls. I have many fond memories of our times together. For many years I have had (and still do) a picture of Sarah and Elizabeth on my bureau, taken when they were teenagers, spending a week in Smallpoint, Maine with us. Many times I have lifted it up and said hello to the girls as their younger selves.

Sadly, Amy and I lost track of each other when the girls were in college and we moved to Maine. This news came as a total shock to me. Amy was such a lovely person. I regret not having a chance now to re-establish our relationship. I am thinking of Sarah and Joshua and their families. May they feel comforted in their grief.

Bill Condon

October 4, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Amy for many years at Conard. Regardless of the role she was in, Amy would always go out of her way to help the staff in any way she could. Her cheery smile and genuine concern for others were such a positive for the entire school. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Bob and Geri

Planted Trees

Judy Lubking

September 30, 2023

Cannot believe she's gone! I've been scrolling through all the texts we had over the last few years, and they were all about our food and cooking. Her freshly baked challah...telling me how I SHOULD be frying my chicken cutlets...on the plane and how she loved flying Delta. Miss her so much. Such true and loyal friends are so scarce in life. Heard from her just about daily for the last 14 years, and then, poof! Rest peacefully, Amy!

Barb Morrow

September 29, 2023

Miss her every day. After insisting that she was a terrible baker, she became a master sourdough artist. As a friend, she always had your back. I remember driving to Boston Mass Gen with her. What a hoot. We nearly hit a group of nuns. Kept looking for doctors and drove where they were.... she could make me laugh. Miss her. A lot.

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