Pauline Zanetakos Obituary

I was once a stage manager for Pauline when she was Drama Instructor at the Chase Theatre in Chicago. She was a wealth of acting knowledge and influenced me to get on the stage myself both at Chase and Theatre on the Lake, where I met her brother Bill and niece and nephew Lisa and Billy Zane. I hope there is a monument for her somewhere, as her memory deserves it. God Rest You, Pauline.

Thanks to Pauline for guiding me in the right direction in my new career. Her insight and direction at the Career Academy helped me tremendously. She advised me which route to persue and she was right! After I graduated and landed a position at Lutheren General Hosp. and then at Northwestern Memorial Hosp., I would "pop in" to see her once in a while. She always greeted me with a hug and a smile. That was over 10 years ago when Career Academy was on Michigan Ave.
I will NEVER forget her kindness and thoughtful guidance.

I just learned of Pauline's passing and am so sorry! She was a light! I lived in Lincoln Park 15 years ago and her dog Sundy and My dog Mister were good buddies (as was Pauline and I). Wonderful memories. I'm sorry. Mimi T

My condolences.

I'm embarassed having only learnt of this passing today. Z was such an inspiration and counselor. A capable instructor and director. I grew to like acting and musicals because of Z. And she was just wonderful to talk with. I sought advice from her often. Honored to have had her at my home for tea and theatre talk. Gosh I will miss her. To the Zanetakos family - may your fond memories of Z keep her legacy alive. May she rest in peace. She was my hero! Courtney Lance-Morakalis Class of '76 FWP.

Memorial at FWP Reunion Weekend September 28th 2013 2:00 P.M. We will sing, talk, remember, dance and act in honor of 'Z' and what she did for all of us.

Z- I will forever remember the kindness you showered upon me, when I was a stranger in a strange land. You may be gone but will never, ever be forgotton.

so sorry to learn this news.
as a youngster at fwp in the late 60's and 70's i was in awe of the actors and actresses who graced the stage in the holabird auditorium..."a school should be..." Z was an auteur. her fingerprints are all over guys n dolls, carousel, oklamhoma, etc. who can forget rod nesbitt and mark anderson singing their hearts out?
Z was a constant presence at parker and a force to be reckoned with. she will always be a channel to some of my best parker memories.

Pauline or Ms.Z, Had a style or vision all her own.She lit up every room she walked into.She directed my brother in '72 in guys and dolls and got the best out of his acting and singing ability.She was a wonderful drama teacher for my classmates at Francis w. parker school (Class'78) I will miss her passion and panache for living.Love karen marcus '78

You will always be loved for the impression you made on our young hearts and minds.

I am saddened and shocked to learn of Pauline's passing. Her mentoring of so many made her seem indelible, she improved the Parker community immesurably. She will long be in my thoughts and those of her many friends.

I will never forget the summer I worked with Pauline at Theatre on the Lake. She was a wonderful colleague and friend.

I'll always remember and treasure the experience of performing (Pajama Game, My Fair Lady and Can-Can) under Z's adept direction. I may not have stretched as much as she wanted but I've never stopped trying and my love of the theater has only grown over the years.

Al Buettner
Colorado Springs, CO

I loved you then and still do now. Tears and sadness, Aristotle

Sorry to hear of Babes passing have many fond memories.My thoughts and prays are with you.

Z was intertwined through so many of our lives at Parker, she touched us, and impacted our hearts and minds in so many ways. She had the gift of what we Greeks call Filotimo... She is missed... yet will always live in all our hearts.

Pauline was a very funny and smart woman. She was a wonderful person and neighbor and I dare anyone to say otherwise. She had a big heart for the animals she took care of and for the neighbors she shared her block with. She never failed to put a smile on my face with her blunt and honest opinions on life, school, politics, etc. She was a great conversationalist and easy to talk to, I'm going to miss that. My biggest regret is not being able to see her on her final days, but the memory of her life and words will not fade away from my mind anytime soon. My deepest condolences go to her family.

May joy soon replace the sorrow that's in your heart, with cherished memories.

On behalf of my brother and sisters I can say that this is a devastating loss to hear about. Z was close to my whole family as well as being such a strong influence as a drama coach for us at Parker. I'll never forget when I saw her act on stage with Rod Nesbitt once in a tiny part; she was so inspiring. I know she touched a great many people and her brilliant light will always shine through alot of us who were lucky enough to have known her. I wish all of her family peace in your hearts and pass on our heartfelt condolences and respect. With love, Biddy Sabusawa xxxxooooo

My deepest condolenses to the family. Pauline and I were in high school together and were members of the same "Club." She will be missed!

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Our deepest sympathy ,love the Danny Atsaves and a Family

I met Pauline when my cat wandered into her backyard. She continued to water her flowers and welcomed him to lounge on her deck anytime. He did, frequently, and from that moment, she became my friend and eventually my mentor. Always leading by example, she taught me how to think and persevere. She was an incredibly strong and dignified woman with an insatiable curiosity. I loved to listen to her stories about the theatre, Greece and her teaching adventures. She supported me on many instances with her remarkable intuition and fierce empathy. I am a better person and the world a better place because of Pauline Zanetakos. I miss her dearly.

Our deepest sympathy to the family

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Danny Atsaves & Family

Pauliiiiine!That's how we called her after we grew up. We helped her move she helped us move through life. She taught me and I went back to Parker and taught her (by teaching what she taught me). Z went on the world stage via her students and her students students. Boy were we lucky! I choose to be so glad I met her and was lucky enough to stay in touch for advice and career updates. Thanks Z!

Pauline was the most influential woman/person in my life. She was like a second mother to me. She made things possible for me that would not have been possible otherwise. I cannot describe in words how much my heart breaks to know that she is gone. My life would be completely different without her. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of her family. She was the first person to believe in me.

Z's door was always open to students. I spent countless hours on that ratty old sofa in her office. I don't know that I would have survived high school without her.

Z was a great support to me while at Parker. Her collaboration and lively exchanges with Bart Walgamott during my Junior high and high school years produced some of Parker's great theatrical productions. Thanks Pavlina!

Ms Z was a wonderful teacher who inspired many students including myself to take risks through drama. She was supportive,inspiring and engaged in the moment with her studentsthereby creating a safe place to be creative.

So sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy to the family. Your aunt and sister was an inspiration to me as a teacher, but, also, as a colleague.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Burling Street will not be the same without being able to run into Pauline out walking the dogs. Our dog Sadie loved Pauline dearly and stops by Pauline's gate on every walk looking for her. We will miss her terribly.

Z was one of the most influential people in my life. The laughs, the guidance, the friendship. The Parker community was blessed to have her in our lives. Tonight I will toast to Z and sing " Luck be a Lady".

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. I worked for Pauline at Career Academy as a nurses aid instructor. She was a lovely lady and a great person to work for. I became very close to her and she was a dear friend. I am so sorry that I missed seeing her at Norhtwestern Hospital, she was discharged the day I went to see her. I will never forget her, she will be truly missed.

January 09,2013
My deepest sympthy and condolences to the family. I worked for Pauline @ Carear Acadmy as a nurses aid instructor. She was a lovely lady and a great person to work for .I became very close to her, she was a dear friend. I'm so sorry that I missed seeing her at NWHospital she was discharged the day I went to see her.I will never forget her.She will truly be missed.

Please except my sincere condolence, and prayers. May God grant the family strength during your time of great sorrow

Pauline, "Z" was a vibrant force in the
Francis Parker musicals that alumni, faculty, and parents produced. As the director she brought her expertise, energy and good humor. Her commitment
was unflagging. My husband, Bob Merrick,
and I were neighbors but I really got to
know and appreciate Pauline during the
three musical productions when I, as a
Parker parent, was involved. Our deepest condolences go to her family.

Pauline: What a fine person and what a great lover of the theater. My deepest sympathies to Alice, Bill,sr.,Thalia, your nephews, nieces and other family members. You have so much to be proud of not only in terms of personal accomplishments but the warmth and generosity that you exuded to all privileged to know you. God Bless you and keep you close. May your family always cherish your presence.

I'm only one of the hundreds of other students who Z really touched at Parker. Decades later, she remains a clear, strong, positive influence and a guiding light in my life. My deepest condolences to her family.

I will always have fond memories of you !!! You were so cool and one of my favorite teachers !!! Thank you for being you !!! Always with much love and respect !!! I am acting now !!!