Anne Mary Guza

Anne Mary Zaken Guza, 88, of Saint Simons Island, and formerly of Decatur, GA, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Louis and Agnes Zaken of Pittsburgh, PA, and the wife of the late Anthony S Guza of Decatur. She is survived by her nine children: Mark Guza of Stone Mountain, GA, Veronica Rickles of Orlando, FL, Janice Goddard of Snellville, GA, Suzanne Purvis of Madison, WI, Cecilia Dillow of Columbia, SC, Patricia Rowell of Perry, GA, Caroline McGuire of Atlanta, GA, David Guza of St Simons Island, GA, and James Guza of Madison, WI. She is also survived by her 22 grandchildren: Rachel, Matt, Alex, Brent, Ben, Justin, Andy, Michelle, Renee, Jeanette, Jimmy, Rebecca, Emily, Daniel, Kelly, Courtney, Michael, Tony, Grace, Rose, Claire, Sam and a great-grandchild, Celeste. She also had many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Guza was born in Elizabeth, PA, on May 19, 1923. She played the organ and was May Queen for St Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Hill Station. She attended Wilfred Academy and became a licensed beautician. While a member of St Elizabeth's, the Sisters of Mercy encouraged her to enter their order. Instead, she married Anthony Guza on May 10, 1947. During their marriage, they raised nine children, while Anthony earned his college degrees. Mrs. Guza worked at Shamrock High School in Decatur for many years. In 1995, Mrs. Guza was granted a US patent for a toy design she developed. She was also an accomplished cook, seamstress, and gardener. Her homes in Decatur, on Lake Hartwell, and on St Simons Island, were gathering places for her family and each contained the beautiful gardens she created and the art she collected. While living on St Simons Island, she was a supporter of the arts and the Democratic Party. She was a loving, strong, and generous wife, mother, and grandmother. The family wishes to thank the staff at Hospice Atlanta for the compassionate care of their mother. The family will receive visitors from 1pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, July 6 at AS Turner & Sons at 2773 N Decatur Rd in Decatur, followed by a recitation of the rosary. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 2855 Briarcliff Rd in Atlanta, GA where Mr. and Mrs. Guza were members for over 30 years. Family and friends are invited to gather at the One River Place Clubhouse following the funeral at 101 River Vista Drive, Atlanta 30339. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033