Mary Jane Zikos

Age 84, of Scott Twp., On November 16, 2023, Mary Jane Zikos (nee Williams) passed after a lengthy battle with dementia.  The daughter of Anthony Williams and Heide Saites, and the stepdaughter of James Saites, Mary Jane was born in 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was a cheerleader, majorette, and stellar student at Saginaw High. Mary Jane was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, where she was an Alpha Xi Delta and she received her graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her career in Cleveland, Ohio as a buyer in women’s fashion for Halle Brothers. While a style enthusiast and an expert interior decorator, Mary Jane’s true passion was teaching. She began her teaching career in Shaker Heights, Cleveland, and after marrying Michael Zikos in 1966, she taught at Peabody High School for the City of Pittsburgh.  After becoming a mother, Mary Jane became a beloved substitute teacher, affectionately called “Mama Z” by her students at both Chartiers Valley High School and, most recently, Mt. Lebanon High School. Above all, she was the consummate mother to her only child, Stefanie Zikos Hamilton of Haverford, Pennsylvania. There could not have been a more involved and loving mother who poured herself into everything she did.  Mary Jane will be remembered for her passion for good writing and education; she was an absolute stickler for sentence structure and clear communication. She adored her friends, ballet, classical music, and literature. Mary Jane was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, Pittsburgh. She is survived by her husband, Michael Zikos, and her daughter, Stefanie Hamilton (Matthew). She was predeceased by a brother, James A. Williams, of Saginaw, Michigan. The family would like to thank Baldwin Health Center for their exceptional and compassionate care. 

All are welcome Wednesday, November 22, 2023 after 10 AM until the time of her Funeral Service at 11 AM, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 419 S. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Interment to follow in Homewood Cemetery, S. Dallas Ave. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVCE, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to Animal Friends, Inc., 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. 

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