Mary Catherine Valus Zapala, age 90, died on April 11, 2026 in Lawrence KS. She was born on November 21, 1935 in Bridgeport CT to Mary (Phillips) and Stephen Valus. Mary, affectionately known as Cookie, was married to Edward J. Zapala, they had no children. They resided in Milford CT and she retired from Sikorsky Aircraft after 37 years of service. They retired to Bradenton FL, where they lived for 15 years until Ed’s death in 2004. Mary then moved to Kansas to be closer to family. She is also predeceased by a brother, Thomas A. Valus and brother-in-law, Richard L. Jacobs. Survivors include a sister, Carol D’Andrea Jacobs of Lawrence KS; a nephew, Marc D’Andrea (Lisa) and two great-nieces, Sydney and Adrianna D’Andrea, all of Shawnee KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306; or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675; or Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence, Kansas 66049.
A Memorial Mass is set for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Stratford, Ct. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Cookie was a gem of a lady. She will surely be missed by many. Sincere condolences to Carol and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.