Jeanne Laura Zdziarski

Jeanne Laura Zdziarski, 82, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on October 4, 2025. She was born on November 24, 1942, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Earl and Laura (Savageau) Peterson.
Jeanne was a wonderfully positive person who loved her life, her family, and her friends more than anything. Her joy was infectious - she was always happy, always smiling, and people naturally gravitated to her warmth. Everyone who met her seemed to say the same thing: "I just love your mom!"
Jeanne was deeply devoted to her daughter, Christy Dey, and to her three beloved grandchildren - Dominic, Tyler, and Rachael Deckys, all of Denver, Colorado. Being "Grandma Jeanne" was her greatest joy. She played board games, cards, and Skip-Bo with them at every visit and cherished every moment together.
A lifelong bridge player for more than 50 years, Jeanne rarely missed her twice-weekly bridge group, where her dear friends became like family. She also loved playing cribbage, hearts, and backgammon - traditions she shared with Christy for decades. Jeanne's adventurous spirit led her on memorable travels, including trips to Italy with Christy, and to Prague and Berlin with Christy and Dominic.
Early in her career, Jeanne worked as a secretary at Union Tank Car in East Chicago, where she became known for her lightning-fast typing and mastery of shorthand. When the company introduced its first computers, Jeanne eagerly learned the new technology and took on computer administration duties - an "IT manager" before the title even existed.
Jeanne was first married to Danial Dey, with whom she had her daughter, Christy. In 1970, she married Dennis Zdziarski, and together they built a beautiful life for more than 40 years until his passing. After retiring, Jeanne and Dennis moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they fell in love with the beauty and serenity of Lake Catherine.
After Dennis passed away, Jeanne moved into The Cottages senior apartments in Hot Springs - a place she adored. Every phone call with Christy ended the same way: "I love my life. I love my apartment. I love living here." She truly did.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Zdziarski, and her parents, Earl and Laura Peterson.
A celebration of Jeanne's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local animal shelter or charity of your choice, in honor of Jeanne's kindness and love for life.