Lorraine Zak, 51, passes away

Author: Jason Siegel

On Nov. 6, the Middlebury College community lost a member of its family when Lorraine Zak, 51, passed away following a year-long battle with cancer.

Throughout her 25-year career at Middlebury, Zak played an important role in student life. After starting her work at the College as the coordinator of the music department, she became the Concert Series coordinator and then events manager for the then-new Center for the Arts. In 1999, she became the first Wonnacott Commons coordinator, a position she would hold until November 2004, when her illness forced her to step down.

In an e-mail sent to members of her commons, Wonnacott Commons Coordinator Brenda Fizur said, "Since Wonnacott's founding, Lorraine was the heart and soul of our community. Hers was the first voice that greeted faculty, students, staff and families who came to Wonnacott, and we know that she left a wonderful and indelible impression upon the lives of all she encountered.""

Students remembered her fondly. Hayden Thomsen '07.5, a residential assistant (RA) in Wonnacott, said, "She was the kindest person ever. She really seemed to care about every student who went in [the commons office]."

Eli Berman '07.5, Student Government Association President and Wonnacott RA, stated, "She was actively involved in the lives of countless students - including my own - and she will be missed."

Visiting hours were on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Sanderson Funeral Service in Middlebury. Graveside services are being held today in North Ferrisburg Cemetery at 11 a.m.



Wonnacott Commons will hold its own gathering in memory of Zak on Friday at 4 p.m. at 115 Franklin Street, the house of Wonnacott Faculty Heads Will Nash and Deb Evans.

Donations may be made in Zak's name to the Addison County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vt. 05753.