Marcia Ann Zuzul, 61, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at her home. She was born in a naval base hospital on August 27, 1960, in Yokosuka, Japan, and was the daughter of Lela Bell Rucker Zuzul and the late Ronald F. Zuzul.
Marcia was a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in nursing. She also attended Wake Forest Baptist Nursing Anesthesia program, and she received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. She worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury while her health allowed.
Marcia had a servant’s heart. Her desire to help others is what she felt was her purpose in life. She was passionate about U.S. Veterans and felt that they deserved the best treatment available. When visiting the home of her and Kelley, her loving companion for 24 years, she made sure you felt right at home and when the time came to leave, you didn’t leave empty handed. You had something to take with you, be it food or a little something to let you know that you were loved and cared for. That was a small glimpse of the person she was.
Marcia, above all, loved God. Even in the trials of life leading up to her death, Marcia was thankful for God’s mercy and love, and she had no shame in sharing her faith. If you could sum up Marcia’s life in two words, it would be, “She Loved!”
In addition to her loving spouse, Kelley Steele of the home, and her mother Lela Zuzul of Florida, Marcia is survived by two sisters, Nanette Martin (Marshall) and Julianna Montgomery, both of Florida; and two brothers, Darren Steele (Ann) and Brad Steele (Maria), both of North Carolina. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Will (Devyn), Jack, Shelby, Lacey, Lauren, Garrett, and Catherine, along with a great niece, Adalyn, and great nephew, Grayson.
The family is planning a memorial service in the Spring at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church in celebration of this wonderful, loving woman who left this world a better place. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Memorial fund of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Fla., and Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church in Statesville, N.C.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Marcia was the kindest and most loving person you could ever know. What a warrior she was in her courageous battle with cancer. She will truly be missed by many. Love to her family. Mary Neely
I knew Marcia as an anesthesia colleague at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury, NC. Marcia was kind, bright, caring, and a very thoughtful anesthesia provider. As her Chief of Anesthesia, when I required surgeries, I would turn to Marcia to administer my anesthetic to me as I could trust her skills and her caring. Marcia cared for strangers as she would for her own family and friends. Kelley and Marcia cared for their neighbor, a World War II veteran, until his death. They did this with no expectations of rewards, pay, but only out of the kindness of their hearts. When I retired from anesthesia and moved away from NC, I missed Marcia but kept in contact with her during her prolonged illness. Marcia loved God, the veterans, and her faith.
People like Marcia Zuzul come along only once or twice in one’s lifetime. I am better for having known Marcia.
I will miss her.
I knew Marcia Zuzul as an anesthesia colleague at the Salisbury, NC Veterans Administration Hospital. Marcia was kind, bright, caring and an all-in-all wonderful person to be around. She cared about God, her faith, and the US veterans. I am a better person for having known Marcia Zuzul.
I will miss her.
Marcia was an old friend from a long time ago in college at UF; we played rugby together. She was always positive, happy and kind. She had a fantastic smile, and even though I did not see her much in the last 30 years, I will never forget it, or her.
My sympathy to her family and friends who were fortunate to have her close to you.
Mar was one of the sweetest, kindest, most generous and hilarious people I have ever known. I loved her dearly. Her passion and zest for life was contagious. You could not help but smile when you were with her. Thinking of her now makes me smile. Rest In Peace, friend.
Love you, Kelley. ❤️ Bless you.
Sarah, Mark and Clara
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Marcia’s mom and I are taking comfort in your memories.
Kelly: So sorry for your loss. I just found out she passed. You ladies were always so kind and helpful to my dad as his neighbors. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way.