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BORN
1956
DIED
2015
Elizabeth Zankich Obituary
Nov. 6, 1956 - Oct. 31, 2015
Resident of San Jose
Liz Zankich fought a courageous battle against lung cancer for 2 1/2 years. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Nov. 6, 1956, the first of four children to Charles and Audrey Schlegel. The family moved to California in 1971.
Liz spent the last 35 years of her professional career as a highly respected and valued Senior Commerical Escrow Officer. She was recognized by her associates and loyal clients in the development community at large as being a key component in the successful conclusion of thousands of transactions, representing billions of dollars of growth here in Silicon Valley.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, drinking good wine and traveling. She had a zest for life and made sure to add a little "bling" wherever she went. Her crafty and creative eye inspired her nickname "Martha", given to her by her nieces and used by so many. Some of her favorite memories were her travels to Europe, Maui and Cabo San Lucas.
She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Dennis, her daughter Marissa Baird, son-in-law Eric Baird and granddaughters Morgan and Ella. She is also survived by her mother Audrey Schlegel and siblings, sisters Sally and her husband Roland Rapp, Amy Minzlaff and her brother Mark and his wife Markie. She is preceded in death by her father Charles Schlegel. She was a cherished friend who left an imprint on so many people and was well loved by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial service. There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE in JANUARY 2016. Please check the Lasting Memories online guestbook for more information regarding the celebration of life.
If you wish to make a donation to cancer research in Liz's name, please send a check payable to Stanford Cancer Institute to 5903 Fishburne Ave., San Jose, Ca. 95123.
View the online memorial for Elizabeth Ann Zankich
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Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Zankich
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Paula Parisi
November 9, 2015
I had the pleasure of knowing Liz and working with her as our expert title officer for over 33 years. She was a consummate professional, always performed her job to the highest standards and with a great deal of humor, as well. I will remember Liz for her amazing smile that always reached her beautiful blue eyes, her infectious laugh and her calm professional handling of hundreds of transactions for our company through the years. Whatever company she was with, we were sure to follow her as a client. You will be missed tremendously, Liz.
Carol Butler
November 9, 2015
One classy lady! Always loved running into Liz at different parties. We always had a lot of laughs together and loved telling silly stories about how Dennis would drive us crazy. God hand picks the best. He probably needed her help up there keeping Steve under control! I will miss you t the parties Liz!
Rich Daniel
November 9, 2015
Liz,
You will be forever missed. I loved working with you for these past 20+ years and loved spending time with you socially even more. You were an amazing person and I feel lucky that you were a part of my life.
Georgie Diaz
November 7, 2015
Liz, you were an amazing woman with the most beautiful smile & eyes. May this candle guide your way to heaven..R.I.P...."+"
Cory Barber
November 6, 2015
Her laughter was infectious and I loved working with her at SCLT, I think secretly, I wanted to be her! I remember when she was pregnant with Marissa-she was so happy and talk about GLOW! She was just ecstatic knowing she was going to have a baby girl! Best to you, her family, we lost a good one.
Whitney Thomas
November 6, 2015
I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I only met Liz one or two times but it was immediately evident why she is so loved and respected. This is a beautiful tribute to her.
Fred n Karen Belligan
November 6, 2015
Such a wonderful Lady. We enjoyed our time together. Bob and Martha parties. Sharks games. Vacations. So courageous. Liz will always be remembered
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