I met Zakkyya in the Bronx at the point in her life when she was going to school for two master's degrees simultaneously, working a full-time job as a special educator, and a part-time job as a dance instructor. She liked keeping her plate full, and honestly, just looking at all she was able to do at one time exhausted me to the point that I needed to sit down for both her and me. But that was Zakkyya.

Some of my favorite things about Zakkyya:
* She loved to laugh. Even if the joke was horrible, she laughed loud and hard, and usually took a solid five minutes to calm down. I remember her telling me that she loved how it felt when she laughed, that she felt free.
* She had the silliest sense of humor. Occasionally, she would chant "lasagna, lasagna, lasagna!" at a random time, and when I stared at her in alarm, she would just fall out laughing.
* She could walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and she did it regularly. Talk about stamina! When she put her mind to it, Zakkyya could stick with a goal and achieve it ten times over.
* She didn't like for her friends to be sad or unhappy, and she did everything she could to lift the spirits of those she cared about. What more can you hope for in a friend, really?

Zakkyya passed away suddenly on December 4, 2015, at the age of 29. She was truly one of a kind, as people who have interacted with her can attest, and she leaves behind friends and family who deeply feel their loss. We are all lucky to have known her.

Please feel free to leave your memories, stories, and condolences below.

Flowers are also welcome and can be delivered to the funeral home on the date and time of memorial service.

Isabel DeMarco (nee Fruges) passed on to heaven peacefully surrounded by her adoring family on Sunday December 6th 2015. She was born on December 26th 1925. Loving wife of Carlo DeMarco (deceased), mother of Carl (Linda) DeMarco , grandmother to Michael (Karrie) DeMarco and sister of Donald Fruges (deceased) and Rita Patti (deceased). She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and caregivers.

Isabel or "Issy" as she liked to be called was beloved for her compassionate, benevolent and humorous personality. Her kindness towards animals especially dogs was a testament to her beautiful soul and gentle spirit. Issy, her husband and son moved out west from Tom's River, New Jersey in the late 1960's and established a lovely life for themselves in sunny Southern California. She had a productive and fun 20 year career working at Taco Bell corporate headquarters in the accounting department. When she wasn't at work, she enjoyed spending her time with family and friends.

Issy had many different hobbies and was very talented at many of them. Her cooking was one of a kind and a perfect representation of classic Italian cuisine. Her Fertad pie was a huge hit with all family members and a staple during the holidays. She passed down many of her recipes to family so the tradition will continue. She was also a skilled artist and loved painting clowns, pets and her favorite "Golden Age" Hollywood stars. She was terrific at sewing and made costumes and apparel that were worn by the Drama Department at Northridge College. Her favorite pastimes included taking care of her dogs, watching classic movies, speed reading through her favorite books and spending time with loved ones.

Isabel had a tremendous positive spirit and touched so many hearts in special ways. She always lit a candle for family in friends when they needed a prayer, so please light a candle in her honor. She will always be remembered in peace, love and light. Please join us in remembering her by sharing your memories and photos below. Click on the slideshow to view images from her life. (To post a message you must register and log-in. Takes less than a minute to sign up.)

Kalen Alan Kinne, at the young age of 58 passed away of pancreatic cancer on November 2nd 2015 surrounded by his loved ones in Cortez, Co. Cancer did not take him easily. His resilience was extraordinary and he fought hard. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone who is battling the heartbreaking disease of cancer. Kalen was born on May 19th 1957 in Perry, Iowa to his father Everett Kinne and is preceeded in death by his mother Patricia Kinne, his grandparents Bert and Millie Kinne and Alan and Hilda Mougin (who he had a very special bond with). He is survived by his son Ryan Alan Kinne, and his daughter Shannon Brooke Kinne, Ryan's wife Jessica, his two grandson's Tristan and Dylan, his six siblings, Vicky Biondi, Terri Luna, Kim Kinne, Tracy Kinne, Juli Rogers, and Cara Mia Rice, along with many nephews and nieces and his girlfriend LaRhonda Crouch. All who loved him beyond words.

Kalen graduated from Woodward Granger High School, Woodward, IA. He married Chris Ellen Van Nieuwal on October 30th 1976 who he had his two children with. They were married for 23 years. Kalen lived in a multiple of locations within the four corners. He was a jack of all trades. There is nothing he couldn't fix. No dish he couldn't cook, no fish he couldn't catch, no game of pool he couldn't win. Anyone who knew Kal couldn't help but love him. He was charismatic, funny, witty, innovative, A.K.A (Macgyver) and full of youth and vigor. His family and friends will always remember him as one of the most unique people you may ever cross paths with in your lifetime. A close friend once described it as this, "It's your world Kal, I'm only visiting."

For those who knew him, life won't be the same without Kalen in it. He was always smiling, always singing a nostalgic song, and simply a light in the world. A breath of fresh air who you always felt comfortable being yourself around. He cared for others and would often take the underdog under his wing. He marched to the beat of his own drum, forged new paths, and his mind worked in a genius way. If we could take a lesson away from him, it would be to always look for the good in someone because you never know the road someone has walked. The struggles or triumph of their life, and although we may not always understand how someone's mind works, we can appreciate the unique gift of purpose that each and everyone of us carry. The purpose to do our best with what life deals us, to love and be loved.

A celebration of Kalen's life is planned for next summer at Lake Powell, his favorite spot. Where fish will be caught, song's will be sung and Budweiser will surely go down. A video of his life is being compiled and will be shown at a local memorial service for him. The time and place will be announced soon.

The family would like to thank all who have shown their support and a special thanks to the Hospice of Montezuma family for their love and excellent care in his last days. If desired, condolences can be sent to P.O Box 1423 E. Main # 200 Cortez, Co 81321.

One thing is for sure. Kal lived life to the fullest and would encourage everyone to be present in the moment of each day. If he was still here, you might hear him singing the following lyrics…

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on me until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music,
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom,
Let it be