Blanche Zakaib, 93, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2024, at St. George Orthodox Church, where there will be a 7 p.m. Trisagion Service.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at St. George Orthodox Church.  Burial will be in St. George Cemetery.  Brosh Chapel and the Avacentre in Cedar Rapids will be assisting the family at this time.

Blanche was born on April 23, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, the second of five daughters of Nemmer and Amelia (Shadid) Mrad. Blanche graduated from McKinley High School. After high school, Blanche married Michael A Zakaib.  Blanche worked for PCI Medical Pavilion as a bookkeeper for 11 years. She was also an active member of the St. George Orthodox Church for many years and loved attending all church gatherings and activities.  Besides her Church, Blanche loved traveling the world and casinos!

Blanche is survived by her nieces Lisa (Bill) Reynolds, Dawn Knestrick, Denise (Brian Cranmore) Hashim, Dina Hashim, Nicole Thomas, Danielle (Virgel) Smith; and nephews Todd Thomassen, Jay (Patricia) Thomassen, and Ed (Angie) Thomas; and many great nieces and nephews.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Michael Zakaib; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine Mrad, Kay (Bruce) Thomassen, Ruth (George) Hashim, and Jennie ("Big Ed") Thomas, as well as nephew-in-law Byron Knestrick.

On behalf of Aunt Blanche, the family wishes to thank her St. George Orthodox Church family, the staff of Hiawatha Care Center and the many medical professionals who lovingly cared for her throughout her years.

Memorials may be directed to St. George Orthodox Church.