Jeanne M. Zerga

Jeanne M. (Boryczka) Zerga, 71, from Summerfield, FL (formerly of West Salem, Ohio) passed away peacefully after an extended illness on March 5th, 2022 at Hospice of the Western Reserve at Parma Hospital with her daughter by her side. She was born in Cleveland, OH on May 10th, 1950 to Stanley (Chuck) and Frances (Kruczek) Boryczka, who both preceded her in death. She was married to Pete Zerga on August 25th, 1984, who proceeded her in death January 18th, 2021.

Jeanne was a bookkeeper and ascended to Finance Director at the City of Brunswick and then finished her career in the same role at the City of Norton. Upon retirement 15 years ago, she and Pete moved permanently to the home they had in the Stonecrest community in Summerfield, FL where she was a golfer and active in the Craft Club, participating regularly in scrapbooking, card making, and craft making for the local senior center. An avid shopper who loved to find a great deal (and a great pair of shoes…. and oh did she have the shoes), Jeanne started Sweet Dreams Pillowcases alongside her daughter, sewing thousands of pillowcases and going to local craft shows to sell them. She and Pete enjoyed traveling, which took them across the US, throughout Europe, Japan and on many cruises. Always the family organizer, she coordinated many family gatherings, parties and trips, each one always better than the last. When Pete became disabled, Jeanne was a tireless advocate and caregiver for him – it was amazing how she managed it all! Her determination, perseverance and dedication when life doesn’t go as expected is an example everyone can learn from.

But above all else, Jeanne was an extraordinary mother, grandmother and friend, who would drop anything at a moment’s notice if she was needed to help anyone, even if it was just a call or text so they knew she was thinking of them. Her house was also constantly “booked” with friends and family coming to see her and Pete (and to get away from the cold Ohio winters), which she loved. She had everyone sign a guest book when they left which was packed with memories that she loved to look at along with her countless scrapbooks recounting her trips and fun times. In between these guests, she would regularly travel back to Ohio several times throughout the course of the year to attend family gatherings and holidays. Needless to say, she loved to be active and stay busy!

Jeanne is survived by those she adored: daughter Dani Horvath of Findlay, OH and son Craig (Cynthia) Zerga of Wooster, OH, grandchildren Evan Van Vorhis, Charmaine (Ken) Burgoon and Camille Zerga, and great grandchildren Colin Fitzpatrick and Emily Burgoon. Also surviving is her brother Stan (Marie) Boryczka of Brunswick, OH; in-laws, Joan & Larry Trollen, of Lacey, WA and Steve & Penny Zerga of Santa Ana, CA; nieces Tina (Brian) Topka of Medina, OH and Amanda (Ricky) Boryczka of Lakewood, OH; nephew Jason Boryczka of Parma, OH and lifelong friends Ann & Bill Matty and Karen Betzel. Jeanne also leaves behind countless neighbors and friends who were like family in Ohio and throughout the Stonecrest community.

She was preceded in death in infancy by a brother Allen Boryczka.

No formal service is being held at this time and a private family celebration event will be held at a later date in Ohio, just as she wanted. We are heartbroken with her loss and request in lieu of flowers, please take time send a card (handmade if you can like Jeanne would but store bought is also fine) to a friend or family member you love or maybe haven’t seen in a while. This simple act will truly bring a smile to someone’s face and warm their heart, just like Jeanne did to those who knew and loved her. Cheers To Jeanne on a well lived life!

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear” – Alex MacLean

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. —Author Unknown