danica zatezalo
Danica Zatezalo passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2017, at the age of 91 at Sunrise Senior Living in Columbus, Ohio. She was the beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Zatezalo. Danica was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on October 14, 1925, to Marko and Jovanka Tepavĉeviĉ Sladoje. After graduating from Cadiz High School in 1943, Danica began her career with the FBI in Washington D.C. She worked as a stenographer and also translated documents from Serbo-Croation, to English during World War II and the beginning of the cold war. In order to be closer to home, she transferred to the FBI office in Cleveland, Ohio. She met William Zatezalo at a Serbian picnic, and they were married on June 20, 1948, and together they had 2 children, Michael Eli and Mark Peter. Danica and Bill had 36 beautiful years of marriage. Danica was a long time member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters in both Steubenville, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona; the Serb National Federation; Eastern Star; and was the first woman President of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio. Throughout her life, Danica was active in the life of the church. She was proud to be a Serb and will always be remembered for her contributions of time, talent and devotion to her Churches in Steubenville, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 7, 1984 and sister Sophie Sladoje in 1947. Danica is survived by her son, Michael (Jeannie) Zatezalo of New Albany, Ohio; son Mark (Martha) Zatezalo of Weirton, West Virginia; grandson, Michael (Diane) Zatezalo of Lombard, Illinois; granddaughter, Jill (Courtney) Lescohier-Williams of Skokie, Illinois; granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer (T.J. Weimerskirch) Zatezalo of Hershey, Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Danica (Matthew) Ceran of Morgantown, West Virginia; step-granddaughter, Danielle (Corey) Byrnes of Blacklick, Ohio; step-granddaughter, Breanna (Nikos) Zavitsanou of Lefkada, Greece; great-grandchildren Abigail Zatezalo and Samuel Lescohier; and step great-grandchildren Adalynn Byrnes and Eleni Zavitsanou. Danica is also survived by her sister, Mary (Nick) Drazich of Steubenville, Ohio; sister, Ann (late Lawrence) Lawhorne of Summerfield, North Carolina; sister, Mildred (late Herbert) Prosser of Westerville, Ohio; brother, Mark Sladoje (Karen) of Columbus, Ohio; brother Donald (late Ann) Sladoje of Ocala, Florida; and brother, George (late Susie) Sladoje of Glenview, Illinois. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, West Virginia 26062, where the Pomen Service will be held at 7 p.m. with the choir. Additional visitation will be held Friday, September 29, 2017, from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, 528 North 4th Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952. Burial will follow at the Serbian Orthodox Cemetery in Weirton, West Virginia. Danica loved her church, enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, music and walking, but she especially enjoyed traveling (48 states and four continents) and spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, 528 North 4th Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952, in memory of Danica.

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  1. Mike, Mark and families,

    I remember you mother as such an elegant lady. I have been away from the Ohio Valley for nearly forty years, but the memories I have of our church and the ever presence of your parents stays with me and makes me smile when I think of our youth.

    How fortunate to have been blessed to have her for so many years.

    We will pray for the peace of God that passes all understanding for your family.

    Peter and Donna Pavkovich


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