Merecedes Zajicek, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. Born on July 31, 1949, in Buffalo, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Frances and William Perez and the fourth of six siblings. A proud graduate of Rosary High School’s inaugural class in 1967, Merecedes embraced life with grace, intelligence, and an adventurous spirit. In 1971, Merecedes married the love of her life, Gregory Zajicek, and together they began their journey with a romantic backpacking honeymoon across Europe.

Merecedes joined the team at Old Second National Bank starting as a teller and working up to senior student loan officer. She later served as an auditor for the Department of Education, retiring in 2014 with a legacy of diligence and care.

After the passing of her mother, Frances, in 2001, Merecedes became the heart of the family.

Her home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of her nurturing spirit. No matter where life took us, Mercedes’ home was our constant haven—a place filled with warmth, love, and belonging. Her heart and hearth embraced us all, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mercedes and her soulmate of 53 years, Gregory, were apart for only a few days before he joined her in eternal peace on December 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother Frances, her father William, her sister Joan, her sister Mary, her brother Bill and her nephew John. She is survived by her loving sisters Fran and Regina, her ten nieces and nephews

Joseph and William Little, Mercedes, Grace, Paul, Peter and Mary Perez, William Perez (Sue), Ronald Hinton (Emily), and Frank Perez. In addition, she has welcomed many great-nieces and great-nephews to her loving family, plus brothers and sisters-in-law from Greg’s family.

If you would like to honor Merecedes, the family asks for donations to Aurora Catholic Charities or The American Lung Association in her name.

Charities for Donations:

Aurora Catholic Charities

314 N Lake St. #1A Aurora, IL. 60506

https://directory.transformingreentry.org/listings/aurora-catholic-charities/

American Lung Association

https://www.lung.org/