Mary Kay Zahora

Psalms 150:4
Praise Him with timbrel and dance, Praise Him with stringed instruments and organ.

Psalms 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Mary Kay (Wallin) Zahora, formerly from Milaca Minnesota, was born in Minneapolis on September 28, 1948 to Vernon and Mary Wallin. The family moved to Milaca in 1956 where her dad accepted a teaching position. After graduating from Milaca High School, she attended the Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Performance for organ from Northwestern University.

On June 21, 1971, Mary Kay was married to Edward Zahora. After moving to Naperville, Illinois, Mary Kay, served as organist for 36 years at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. In addition to her organist position, she also taught piano and organ lessons. Mary Kay was much loved by the congregation and all her students. After retiring from her church position in 2014, she continued giving piano lessons out of her home until the Covid pandemic caused her to cease in-person lessons Edward, her husband, passed away on May 9, 2020.

With her love for music, she and Edward took several exciting trips, include a trip through Europe where she was able to see and hear some of the great historic cathedral organs. She also enjoyed summer vacations at the lake in Minnesota where she was able to spend time with family who live in that area. She also greatly enjoyed quiet times, reading, and the company of her dogs.

Mary Kay was welcomed into heaven on June 19th by our loving Lord Jesus, her husband Edward, father, Vern Wallin, grandparents, great nephew Jared, sister-in-law Shelly Wallin, aunts and uncles. Left to celebrate her life on earth are her mother, Mary Wallin, brothers Bruce and John, nieces and nephews – Sarah, Sonjia, Beth, Kendra, Bruce, Michael, Jeremie and Jennifer. She will also be dearly missed by many cousins, and 13 great nieces and nephews.

Private interment will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca Minnesota A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Memorials may be made to:

Samaritan’s Purse
Attn: Stewardship
PO Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607

Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
Armerding Center for Music and the Arts
501 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187

First Presbyterian Church (Shantz organ maintenance fund).
325 E. Downer Place
Aurora, IL 60505