Anne Yatsco Zdinak

As friends of the family of Stanley and Mary Jane Tuchalski, we share your sorrow at the loss of your beloved Anne. May beautiful memories of her life bring strength to those who loved her and may God’s blessings be with her and her family.

“Mike and Anne, Anne and Mike,” those two names were so often mentioned together in the course of our lives. It is most fitting that God has smiled upon both of them at this time to take them to Himself, “Anne and Mike, Mike and Anne.” After sixty-four years together in this world, they are now together forever in eternity – “Anne and Mike, Mike and Anne.” I am not able to come to Weirton at this time; however, my thought and prayers remain with you all – my cousins that span three generations. I shall never forget all the generosity of your parents over the years. If there was a graduation party, a wedding or some other event – Anne and Mike’s delicacies were there as a nurturing gift for the festivities. Moreover, they were also gracious in sharing the green too! Earthy wisdom and shooting it straight from the hip was Aunt Anne’s style. We all learned a thing or two about more than a thing or two in life from her!!! Uncle Mike had the ability to delve deeper into the soul of each of us. His individuated concern for each of us on a personal level was keenly felt. He had a deep mystical spirituality that could only be rivaled by his father – Mike Zdinak, Sr. Don’t know if many know of this, but Uncle Mike had shared with me how he quite seriously struggled in discernment over a vocation to the ordained priesthood. Somehow Aunt Anne won out – go figure!!! Even though ordination never came to fruition for Uncle Mike, I always marveled at his awestruck humility whenever he was privileged to hold the Tri-fold Candle during the Gospel at Divine Liturgy. In my heart of hearts I knew all things came together for him in those moments. He knew and lived the Gospels. For better or worse sixty-four years is an amazing time in this day and age. The power of God’s grace kept Anne and Mike alive – through illness, caregiving and generosity. I know that my life has been richer for having had the pleasure of these two individuals presence. To have lived and grown in Weirton was to have a holiday visit to McKinley Street where our palates were cultured by Aunt Anne’s latest creations. Everyone knows that if you didn’t try whatever it was there would be hell to pay for having insulted her gracious spread. Each feast became an endeavor of creative openness in addition to the mainstays of Paska, Holubki, Pierogi, Chicken, Ham and the like. No mater what – God forgive me – I never did acquire a taste for the spaghetti pizza! I don’t know if I will ever encounter it again, but if I do, I know that I will say to myself: “Anne and Mike, Mike and Anne!” Eternal Memories and Blessed Repose be upon them forever!