Marjorie A. Zanker

Town of Steuben- Marjorie A. Zanker, 68, of Roberts Road, widow of Leslie H., passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as Marge, she was born in Rome, on February 4, 1958, a daughter of Alfred Joseph and Yolanda Landry Peck. She received her education in Rome, graduating from Rome Free Academy, with the Class of 1976.

On July 31, 1976, Marge was united in marriage, in Rome, with the love of her life, Leslie H. Zanker.

In January, 1972, Mr. Zanker entered the service of his country, in the U.S. Air Force, serving his country stateside during the era of the Viet Nam War, before he was stationed in Guam, where Marge also lived. For a short time they returned to Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, before TSGT. Zanker was selected for the role of Crew Chief, on the B-1B Stealth Bomber, at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, TX. While living in Abilene, Marge purchased the Paramount Downtown Deli in Abilene, which she operated for several years.

In 1992, after retiring from the Air Force, the couple relocated to the hamlet of Hawkinsville, where they lived for several years. In 2000, they moved to their "forever" home in the Town of Steuben, where they enjoyed 14 years together, before her loving husband passed away on March 14, 2014.

Marge led Teen Youth Ministries at the Church of the Nazarene in Rome and later worked as a caregiver at United Cerebral Palsy centers in Boonville.

Marge will be fondly remembered as a fabulous cook, who specialized in creating soups and very tasty meals. For several years she headed Ma’s Kitchen, at the BYAA Ball Park, cooking and managing on a volunteer basis. She also served as treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 13, Boonville and was a yearly volunteer for the Lucus Lawrence Softball Tournament. After PFC Greg Huxley died in Iraq, in 2003, Marge served as an organizer of Operation Hometown Heroes, a group of area people who sent packages to military personnel serving their country in foreign countries. Marge also found great enjoyment in cooking for family and friends at their weddings and special events. Marge was often seen volunteering at various benefits held over the years for community members.

In keeping with the Gospel admonishment to feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger, Marge was famous for welcoming those in need into her home, hosting a foreign exchange student, Dejan (Mia) Markusic, special nieces and nephews and members of the Trail Blazer Baseball team.

Marge was a person who possessed an infectious smile and the ability to light up a room with her presence, “Marge loved and served her neighbor,” wherever she was.

She is survived by her children; daughter, Michele and her husband, Dave Kaun, Steuben; three sons, Leslie “Beau” Zanker and his wife, Kelly, Steuben, Randy Zanker and his wife, April, Boonville and Daniel Zanker, Steuben; seven grandchildren, Ashton Pitcher, Cameron Zanker, Alexander Kaun, Timothy Kaun, Leah Zanker, Gavin Zanker, and Avery Zanker; two sisters, Elvera Brodock, Taberg, Linda Zanker, Ava; two brothers, Gene (Rhonda) Peck, Boonville, and Lawrence (Ann) Moore, Blossvale and a sister in law, Catherine Peck, Rome. In addition to her husband and her parents, Marge was predeceased by siblings, Lorraine Banks, Patricia Peck, and Steven Peck, brothers in law, Charles Banks, Frank Zanker and Douglas Brodock.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Pastor Brandon Pitts from the Abundant Life Fellowship Church of Boonville will officiate. Calling hours are also Saturday, at the funeral home, from 11:00 A.M. until the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901; website, Dementia Society of America