Sandra Sue Zajac (1942-2023)

Sandra Sue (Sue)  Zajac passed away June 20, 2023 after a brief illness. Sue was born in Indianapolis in 1942 to Hugh Thompson and Marjorie Osborne Thompson. She graduated from Southport High School near Indianapolis in 1960 and enrolled in Franklin College in Indiana that fall.  She majored in elementary education with a minor in art, graduating with a degree in education and a teaching license. 

In the fall of 1964, Sue and her husband Andrew were hired to teach in Bartholomew County, Indiana.  In August 1969, Sue and Andrew, along with their daughters, moved to Alaska.  They first taught at the Kenny Lake School, and then transferred to Noatak, Alaska.  After Noatak they transferred back to the Copper River Valley teaching at the Copper Center School and the Glennallen School. Sue loved her students and she loved to teach.  A peek into her classroom would reveal that passion. 

Immediately after retiring Sue began a highly successful art business, Sue Zajac Originals, creating beautiful marbled art cards and framed art with botanical elements. She sold her creations to art galleries throughout Alaska, Princess Cruises, National Park Service and more.  Sue will be remembered for her boundless creativity and talent.

Sue was preceded in death by both parents and Thomas, her brother. She is survived by Andrew, her husband of 59 years. Also surviving are daughters Angela and Jennifer, sons-in-law Stephen and Christoph, and grandsons Patrick (wife Jeniffer), Max and Flynn.  Extended family includes niece Shelley (husband Milt) and their children Stacie (husband Sean, children Arlo and Margot), Natalie (husband Kyle), and Alex (wife Shelby).

Memorial services were held on July 10 at “theCrossing” Church in Chugiak, AK. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at Matanuska Brewing Company in Eagle River.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital at https://give.providence.org/alaska in the tribute name of Sandra Sue Zajac.