Sue Zajac, Who Taught In The Copper Valley With Her Husband, Andy

Sue Zajac 

1942 - 2023

Sandra Sue (Thompson) Zajac was born in Indianapolis in 1942 to Hugh Thompson and Marjorie Osborne Thompson. Sue Zajac passed away June 20, 2023 after a short period of illness. She was preceded in death by both parents and Thomas, her brother and sister-in-law Shirley. 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 Jennifer, Max and Flynn. Extended family includes Sister-in-Law Thelma, niece Shelley (husband Milt) and their children Stacie (husband Sean, children Arlo and Margot), Natalie (husband Kyle), and Alex (wife Shelby).

Sue 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 she and Andrew were hired to teach in Bartholomew County, Indiana. In August of 1969 she, Andrew and 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.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on July 10 at “theCrossing” church, 22208 Birchwood Loop, Chugiak, AK. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at Matanuska Brewing Company, 11901 Old Glenn Highway, Eagle River, AK. 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.