Dorothy Marie Carr Zak entered eternal rest on July 21, 2026 at the age of 90. Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, she passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Loving mother of Jeanne (Ron) Smith, Janet (Linda Barney) Zak, David (Andrea), and Tom (Karen) Zak. Cherished grandmother of Andrew (Sherise) Smith, Caitlin (Adam) Ivey, Anna (Ben) Hoff, Nick and Alek Smith, Noah, Quinten, and Emma Zak. Maria (Daniel) Witt, and Steven Zak, Proud great-grandmother of Layla, Cooper, and Eli Smith; Samuel, Quinn, and Luke Ivey; and Henry Witt.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, William Carr, Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Nicholas Zak; her parents, Marie and William Carr, and her brother, Richard Carr, Sr.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 13, 1936, Dorothy attended St. Francis de Sales High School. She married the love of her life, Nicholas, on August 9, 1958. She worked at Union Electric until the birth of their first child after which she devoted herself to raising their four children. She wore many hats—room mother, volunteer, chauffeur, Camp Fire leader, supporter.

Dorothy later joined the staff at Good Shepherd School and then later returned to work at Ameren (UE), until her retirement in 1992.

A faithful parishioner of both Good Shepherd and Incarnate Word Catholic Churches, Dorothy quietly lived her faith through service. She generously gave of her time and talents wherever they were needed. She baked countless loaves of her homemade brown bread for bake sales, faithfully participated in morning Adoration, served with the Altar Society and the Linen team, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her carrot cake was a favorite at family celebrations and parish gatherings, and there was always a cookie jar filled with her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Two words best describe Dorothy's life: Family and Faith.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving embrace of her Lord, reunited with Nick, her parents, and all who went before her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

In keeping with her wishes, Dorothy’s body was donated to Saint Louis University. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Incarnate Word. https://www.osvhub.com/incarnateword/giving/funds/st-vincent-de-paul

Thank you to all healthcare workers with a special thank you to the St. Luke's Hospital ICU team for their compassionate care.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home

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