Eileen Zunich

Apr 18th, 1938 - Nov 23rd, 2015

Eileen Zunich, age 77, of Herrin, passed away at 8:24pm on Monday, November 23, 2015 at her home in Herrin.

Eileen was born April 18, 1938, the daughter of Frederick J. and Augusta (Zelasko) Koerber. She married Michael Zunich. He preceded her in death.

Dr. Zunich was a life-long educator. She had taught every grade level—in some capacity from first grade to graduate school doctoral students. She has a B.S., M.S., and Ph. D. in education and psychology. One of her favorite past-times, since her retirement from Southern Illinois University, was writing letters to the North West Florida Daily News. She loved nature. She believed that all living things were God’s creation and, therefore, deserving of respect.

Before moving to Herrin, Mrs. Zunich was a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Destin, FL.

She is survived by her daughter- Laura and Nick Varacalli of Johnston City

Special twin sister- Elaine Koerber of Herrin

Two Grandsons- Joshua and Jessica Varacalli of Collinsville

Caleb Varacalli of Fort Hood, Texas

Three Great Grandsons- Nicholas, Luca, and Keegan Varacalli

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, and three brothers- Fred, Ray, and Bernie “Babe” Koerber.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Destin, Florida. Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with final arrangements.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, PAWS, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel- School Building Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948.

For more information, or to sign the memorial guest, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com

 




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5 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Bobby Bowick

    From: Miramar Beach, Florida

    Date: November 25, 2015

    Wonderful Lady,good friend & neighbor. Outstanding & extreamly supportarive of GULF PINES. A former board member who helped build a strong & supportive community.Eileen was a regular correspondent of The North West Daily news.She highlited local & national issues with a tremindance following.She will be loved and greatly missed.

  • Guest: Steve and Misty Highsmith

    From: Miramar Beach , Florida

    Date: November 25, 2015

    What a wonderful Lady, She will truly be missed in Gulf Pines. May God comfort the family in this time of need. Steve and Misty Highsmith.

  • Guest: Debbie Sherwood

    From: Hilliard, Florida

    Date: November 28, 2015

    Laura, I’m so sorry for your loss. Although I never had the privilege of meeting her, I know without a doubt that she was an amazing lady who touched the lives of many people in countless positive ways. After all, she’s your Mama, and that’s a family trait.
    If there is anything I can do, or any way I can help, please let me know.
    Love and prayers, Debbie and Kevin Sherwood

  • Guest: Barbara and Jack Warburton

    From: Destin, Illinois

    Date: November 29, 2015

    Dear Elaine and Family,
    It is with sad hearts we send our love and sorrow hearing of Eileen,s passing.We,as well as all those who loved you beautiful devoted sisters here in Florida, feel your loss.Eileen was an authentic example of a true Catholic,caring for those she loved deeply.She shared her wisdom and understanding of this complex world even in her poor health.We remember the special visits with Pat AgertonBrown and other Legion of Mary sisters.With our strong faith we rejoice in her heavenly reward for faithfulness to God’sWill and service to Him. We know you will miss her most of all but she is always with you in spirit.We know Laura will look after you and we ,here ,will keep you and all your family in our prayers.Keep Jack in yours as his health is poor Always love in Jesus through Mary,Barbara Warburton

  • Guest: Amber George

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: December 1, 2015

    Laura, So very sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this very difficult time. I am always here for you should you need anything! God Bless.