Alice M. Zarek

Alice M. Zarek, (nee Depke) 100, of Northbrook, formerly Deerfield, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, with family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Edmund for over 66 years. Loving mother of John (Carol), Mary (William) Stover, Peggy Oddo, Anne (Paul) Douglas and Edmund (Casandra). Adored grandmother of Paul, Julie, Stephanie, Anthony, Monica, David, Thomas, Christopher, Jessica, Lauren, Alexandra and Haley. Proud great-grandmother (Gigi) of Ella, John, Mena, Taylor, Parker, Tavi, Jordan, Mila, Paul, Asha, Joey and Colette. Dear cousin, fond aunt, grand and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Alice was born in Chicago on June 30, 1924 to Joseph and Stephanie. After graduating from Holy Family Academy, she attended Northwestern University and received her bachelor's degree from De Paul University. Starting her working career later in life after raising her family and helping her husband with his architectural business, she was employed for 25+ years as a bookkeeper with what is now Covenant Living in Northbrook. Alice was involved with her faith community while a parishioner at Holy Cross Church in Deerfield and more recently while at St. Patrick Church in Lake Forest. She and her husband were involved with PADS and volunteered monthly for the Monday night soup kitchen. Alice volunteered at the Wednesday food pantry weekly until Covid and her health changed things. Her favorite was the Thursday morning scripture group that she attended with her sister Terry. Alice leaves behind a legacy of enduring love for her family and friends and the importance of regular family gatherings. Her presence at holidays and family celebrations will be sorely missed. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at St. Patrick Church, 950 Everett Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 from 9:00am until time of funeral mass 10:00am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Patrick Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. For more information or directions, please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at 847-831-4260