Leona Zell

Leona C. "Sissy" Masgay Zell, 97, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, with her loving family by her side; celebrating her birthday in Heaven. She was one of nine children born to the late John and Martha (Gorski) Gorecki. She was born in the Town of Weston on February 6, 1921. Leona married Joseph Masgay on February 8, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1976. She later found love again, and married Alex Zell on December 30, 1981. He preceded her in death in 1984. Leona began her career at First American Bank as an elevator operator, and then worked in various positions, ending her career in 1981 while in the book keeping department of M&I Bank. She was a member of St Mark Ladies Council, where she was active for many years and would accompany Sister Elizabeth Oliver on home visits, giving communion to those who were home bound. She was also a member of the Secular Order of St. Francis, where she attended meetings with Alex and Sister Elizabeth. In her early years, Sissy & Joe owned a rooming house on First Street in Wausau. They loved spending time at their cottage on Manson Lake fishing and partying with their friends. She enjoyed quilting, embroidering and crocheting. But most important to Sissy were her friends and family and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Beside her two husbands and parents, Sissy was preceded in death by her two brothers, Frank and Leonard Gorecki and her six sisters, Genevieve Green, Angeline Sickler, Eleanor Gauerke, Winifred Radandt, Grace Omernick and Jeanette Staszak. Sissy is survived by her step-children John (Betty) Zell and Patricia (William) Puskarich; step-grandchildren, Michael (Marin) Puskarich, Andrew Puskarich, Kristy (Josh) Scott and Becky Zell and six great grandchildren. She is also loved and survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Mark Catholic Parish, 602 Military Road, Rothschild. The Reverend Allan Slowiak will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park on Monday, February 12, 2018. The family wishes to thank Terri and Rita for taking care of Aunt Sissy these past years, as well as her friends and the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living who became her family and friends over the last 3 years. A special thank you to Aspirus Palliative Care for their dedication and compassion in her final days. Memorials will be directed to St Mark Catholic Parish in Rothschild.