From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Martha Lynn Parent, 80, Vero Beach
October 12, 1943 – November 5, 2023
Martha Lynn Parent, 80, of Vero Beach, passed away November 5, 2023.
She was born October 12, 1943, in Monticello, Florida to the late William Holland and Alice Ritter Holland.
Survivors include her son, Gregory Parent; sister, Margaret Howard and husband Bill of Vero Beach, brother, Joseph Holland and his wife Georgia Ann, of Monticello, sister-in-law Donna Holland, of Vero Beach; several nieces, nephews, and caring friends.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband John J. Parent in 2018; sister, Virginia Holland and brother, Bill Holland.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM on Saturday November 11, 2023, at Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory Vero Beach, followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM.
Graveside Service will be 1:30 PM on Saturday November 11, 2023 at Crestlawn Cemetery Vero Beach, with Chaplain Richard Whipple officiating.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARTHA LYNN PARENT, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Ewa “Eva” Kurtycz, 64, Vero Beach
August 6, 1959 – November 7, 2023
Ewa “Eva” Kurtycz, 64, of Vero Beach, formerly of Michigan and Poland, lost her long-fought battle with cancer on November 7, 2023, with her son, Andrzej, by her side.
Refugee to American Dream 🇺🇸
Born August 6, 1959 in Lukow, Poland, Ewa was the daughter of Zygmunt Wajszczuk and Krystyna Wajszczuk (Janiak).
Growing up in Lukow as the youngest of three, sister Grazyna and brother Andrzej, she completed high school, becoming a teacher and soon after welcomed her first son, Krzysztof Kurtycz in August of 1983. During this time she spoke Polish and could hold a conversation in Russian.
Her journey to the United States began in 1986, where she took a chance during a trip to Italy and became a refugee; living there for four years learning the Italian language, culture, and working while awaiting her visa. In 1990, her visa was granted and she moved to the United States, into a well know Polish enclave of Detroit, Hamtramck, once again, learning the English language, her fourth. In December of 1992 she welcomed her second son, Andrzej Karwaczynski. Her time in Hamtramck and the Metro-Detroit area was spent raising her two sons, working for Ford while running her housecleaning business and attending Community College.
Her last years in Hamtramck, Ewa enjoyed her role as a Librarian and Assistant at the Hamtramck Public Library. There she was able to continue down the path of learning and teaching. She enjoyed giving back to the community, helping put together children events, attending various community events, festivals and more! She truly enjoyed being a resource and teacher for the community. She was an advocate of active lifestyle, introducing her sons to various sports, while balancing new emerging technology, cultural history and arts of the various ethnicities in Hamtramck. In her free time she enjoyed taking her sons to music festivals, coffee shops, libraries, science centers, museums and parks. Plants and gardening were a passion of hers, along with cooking and baking. One of her favorite things to do was gather recipes from her friends of various ethnic backgrounds and learn to cook them herself, she absolutely loved Arabic cuisine.
The New Southern American Dream
In May of 2005, Ewa made a second life reset, moving herself and her younger son to Vero Beach, Florida with two suitcases and fresh opportunity. The first two years were a battle, as Ewa encountered a few health setbacks, in this time as residents of the Homeless Family Center, Ewa developed new skills through various shelter programs, working and saving funds for a new home, and spending much of free time at the Indian River County Library or local attractions such as the beach, embracing the new Southern Hospitality. Soon thereafter, Ewa became an Agricultural Officer and Technician for the Florida Department of Agriculture, moving into a smaller apartment first and then home in Vero Beach. Here she rekindled her passion for gardening and plants. She would bring home fruits, mostly oranges, and further research agricultural species and diseases. Additionally, as an Ag Tech in Florida, Ewa enjoyed learning bits of Spanish from grove workers and employees.
In 2010, Ewa returned to the same Homeless Family Center, this time as an employee and resource to its residents. She was an FDA Ag Tech during the day, and a Resident Coordinator at the Shelter during the weekends. It was at this time where Ewa tapped into her purpose on another level, enjoying her role as an Ag Tech in the groves of Indian River County, meeting many folks with similar passions in plants, gardening and protecting Florida agriculture. At the same time, on the weekends, Ewa was able to connect with families who were once in her position and help create a positive support system, sharing stories, opportunities and celebrating important days such as holidays and birthdays with them. In 2013, Ewa became a full-time Transportation and Logistics Director at the Homeless Family Center, where she managed all logistics of the Center including resident transportation, kids transportation, and overall center logistics.
The Rise of A Warrior
The Summer of 2014 brought on the first of three cancer battles to Ewa. She underwent treatment of parotid cancer throughout 2014 into 2015. She did this through radiation while working full time and further impacting homeless families in Indian River County. In May 2015, she witnessed her younger son graduate from UCF, further highlighting the American Dream. Soon after, her second battle came in 2016, when a rarer form of Uterine Cancer was discovered by her PCM and confirmed by a gynecologist and specialist. This was a tough battle but one that she, as an Ultimate Warrior, took head on. In the middle of this battle Ewa was laid off… With a strong support system from family, friends and extended support from her Son’s system, Ewa was able to successfully recovery from a major surgery that made her adjust and learn how to live with a stoma. She was a survivor for five years!
The Recent Battle
In 2022, during her five year check up, as expected, the cancer did return but a controlled plan was made to keep it contained and in a stable condition. This required quarterly scans with adjusted game plans based on tests. Through 2022 and into 2023, the disease was stable up until March. In June of 2023, it was discovered that the disease progressed and metastasized into the lungs and lower lumbar spine. This caused new and debilitating pain for Ewa, altering her everyday life within just a few weeks after; she went from walking everywhere, playing bingo with friends, gardening and planting, grocery shopping every other day, coffee with friends, to being in pain her room and sparsely leaving the home for leisure activities. On November 1, 2023, concluding radiation, Ewa was hospitalized and in critical condition with symptoms indirectly and directly caused by her cancer, including a collapsed lung. As an Ultimate Warrior she was resting but fighting, she was in pain but fighting, she was delicate but fighting. Through the days her symptoms lightened but were soon followed by worsened conditions. On November 7, 2023 at 12:40AM, Ewa passed with her son, Andrzej, by her side. She was a Warrior until her last breathe, and her legacy will not be forgotten.
Warrior Without Limitations and A Lot of Passion(s)
A true Warrior not defined by any limitations since her escape from Poland in 1986, Ewa leaves a lasting story and legacy that has already been shared by family, friends and colleagues. In her time, she spoke Polish and English fluently, and at points in her life spoke Italian and Russian, until the end regularly watching films and music in all four languages. Born and raised as a practicing Catholic, she lived by serving and being there for others even during her toughest times! Her passion for learning, teaching, cooking, plants, oranges, fashion, music and arts, history, world culture, world politics, wildlife, Florida agriculture, French vanilla Dunkin’ coffee, hazelnut creamer, YouTube travel vlogs, sci-fi movies and shows, the beach, watching space shuttle launches, Middle-Eastern cuisine, Christmas Eve Dinner, chocolate desserts of almost any kind, home medicine, chocolate eclairs, the original Coca-Cola, Reese’s Peanut butter cups, 80s disco, 90s disco, 2k millennium R&B, and so much more will never be forgotten. She was always about having “an open-mind” and to never giving up… her legacy will live on.
Ewa is preceded in death by: Her father Zygmunt Wajszczuk (2004).
Ewa is survived by: Her sons Andrzej Karwaczynski and Krzysztof Kurtycz, her mother Krystyna Wajszczuk, sister Grazyna Lipińska, brother Andrzej Wajszczuk and her many extended nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday November 18, 2023, at Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory Vero Beach.
A Prayer Service will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Go Fund Me to assist her son with her final expenses.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-my-warriors-service
Support My Warrior’s Service – Cancer Journey, organized by Andrzej Karwaczynski
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-my-warriors-service
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
William Bruce Dixon, Sr., 88, Fort Pierce
June 14, 1935 – November 9, 2023
William Bruce Dixon, Sr., 88, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away at his home surrounded by his family, November 9, 2023.
Born on June 14, 1935, in Columbus, Georgia, Bruce was the son of the late James “J.C.” Dixon & Virginia Mahaffey Dixon.
Bruce was a long-time member and Sunday School teacher at Indian River Presbyterian Church. He also served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Fort Pierce. He was a former member of the Florida Army National Guard. He appreciated the simple things in life such as spending time with his family and friends. Some of his pastimes included making pottery, baking, fishing, and gardening. He especially loved his time coaching Little League baseball.
Bruce retired after 40 plus years of service as the owner and operator of D&D Tile, serving the community of Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Vonda Strunk Dixon as well as his son, James Bradley Dixon.
He is survived by his children, son, Bruce Dixon, Jr. and wife Cathy; daughter, Ginny Dixon; two grandchildren, Dale Dixon & Abigail Querrey (Sam); four great-grandchildren, Owen James Querrey, Ford Austin Querrey, Jude Dale Dixon, and Eden Wren Dixon; nephew, Kevin Strunk, as well as many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Indian River Presbyterian Church, 2499 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Reverend Dustin Sterrett will officiate and the burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens by Strunk Funeral Home.
The family will receive guests at the church prior to services starting at 10:30 a.m.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Lynne Wehrle Zande, 69, Vero Beach
March 30, 1954 – November 9, 2023
On November 9, 2023, Lynne Wehrle Zande, 69, passed away at home in Vero Beach, Florida surrounded by her family. She was born March 30, 1954 in Charleston, West Virginia to Henry B Wehrle Jr and Helen Donhowe Wehrle.
Lynne grew up in Charleston and graduated from Graham-Eckes School in Palm Beach, Florida in 1972. She attended the University of Miami and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte.
Lynne returned to Charleston where she began her lifelong career at McJunkin Corporation. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina as a sales person for McJunkin. At McJunkin Lynne excelled at sales and became one of their leading sales people. Towards the end of her career Lynne became Vice President of Communications for the entire company.
In Charlotte Lynne met the love of her life, Tony, married and raised their two sons, Tony and Steve. Tony and Steve were the light in Lynne’s heart. After retirement, Lynne and Tony lived in Vero Beach, Florida and Cashiers, North Carolina.
Lynne was the life of the party. Her smile and laughter always lit up the room.
She loved golf, Mahjong, and reading but being with friends and family (especially her grandchildren) brought her the most joy. Lynne was strong willed, fearless and independent. This trait along with grit and determination helped her deal with a 15-year battle with cancer. Until the end, Lynne showed dignity and grace in spite of adversity.
Lynne is survived by her husband, Tony, sons, Tony (Meredith), Steve (Jessie) and three grandchildren, Thomas, Jackson, and Charlotte, and three siblings, Bernie, Beth and Steve.
A remembrance service will be held at Windsor Chapel on November 19, 2023 at 3:00. After the service, family and friends will gather from 4:00 to 5:00 at Lynne and Tony’s home. Attire: Florida casual
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lynne’s name can be made to:
Lynne Zande Family Catamount Golf Scholarship, WCU Foundation, Cullowhee, NC
St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959
VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Ste. 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960
https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Rigoberto Zamarripa-Vargas, 56, Fellsmere
August 16, 1969 – October 24, 2023
Rigoberto Zamarripa-Vargas, 56, of Fellsmere, Florida, passed away October 24, 2023 at Sebastian River Medical Center.
He was born in San Pablo, Zacatecas, Mexico on August 16, 1969, a son of Juan Zamarripa and Juana Vargas.
Rigo as he was affectionately known was a self-employed hardscape contractor who beautified many homes in Indian River County and surrounding areas applying pavers to their landscapes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Hermenia Rivera; daughters, Araseli and Evelyn Zamarripa, sons Rigo A. Zamarripa and Joaquin Zamarripa; six grandchildren, Romeo Vargas, Kahyn Garcia, Maximiliano Zamarripa, Damian Zamarripa, Camila Zamarripa and Zael Zamarripa; He had 12 brothers and sisters, Luis Zamarripa, Eustolia Zamarripa, Ramon Zamarripa, Maria Rosario Mendoza, Cruz Zamarripa, Jose Manuel Zamarripa, Santos Zamarripa, Elvira Gutierrez, Martha Delgado, Jaime Zamarripa, Mario Zamarripa, Juan Zamarripa Jr.; many other loving family & friends.
Visitation will be, Monday, October 30, 2023, 6 to 8:00 pm at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, followed by graveside services in Sebastian Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of RIGOBERTO ZAMARRIPA-VARGAS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
