Obituary of Theresa (Zayac) Dook

Theresa (Zayac) Dook Peabody--Theresa “Zayac” Dook, 100, of Clinton, N.Y. (formerly of Peabody), beloved wife of the late Michael Dook, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital with her family by her side. She was born on November 4, 1911 in Petrusha-Volya, Russia, the daughter of the late Harry and Martha “Bik” Zayac. Theresa arrived at Ellis Island in 1923 with her mother and brother Michael Zayac. She resided in Peabody until she was 93. She spent the last seven years living in Clinton, N.Y., first at the home of her daughter, Helen Kowansky and later with the family of her loving granddaughter, Elaine Kowansky. Theresa was educated at the Keefe School in Peabody. She married Michael Dook in June 1930 at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Salem. Michael passed away in 1996. Theresa was an avid gardener, cook, and rug maker. She loved visiting with people and having her family gathered around her. She lived a remarkable life and left an impression on everyone she met. Theresa is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Helen and John Kowansky of Clinton, N.Y.; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Dook of Georgetown; five grandchildren, Elaine Kowansky and Ram Josyula of Clinton, N.Y., Michael and Elizabeth Dook of Newmarket, MD, Susan and Emery George of Georgetown, Sandra and Chuck Berry of Tyngsboro, and Ann and Joseph Gale of Clinton, N.Y.; 12 great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Mariam Josyula, Rachel and Paul Dook, Max and Luke George, Conrad and Jordan Berry, and Allie, Louisa, Audrey and Charlotte Gale. Besides her husband and brother, Theresa was predeceased by her son, Paul Dook of Peabody. The family extends a special thank you on behalf of “Babbi” to her homecare “Ladies,” Marlene, Jessica, Anna, Sandy, Betty, Donna and Eileen, who lovingly cared for her for the last four years. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation on Wednesday April 18, 2012 from 9 -- 10 AM in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Salem, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.