Melinda “Mindy” Zajac died at Strong Memorial Hospital on January 18. She was 71. 

     Mindy was born July 27, 1954, to William and Lois Sandberg of Henning, Minnesota.  When she was one year old, the family moved to Appleton, MN when her father accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools.

     She was a 1976 graduate of St. Olaf College where she majored in biology, and a 1985 graduate of the University of Minnesota where she majored in accounting.

     On June 23, 1985, shortly after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Mindy married the Rev. Gregory Zajac, a Lutheran pastor. Never one for the spotlight, her Christian service was mostly behind the scenes. In addition to being active in the women’s organizations, quilting groups, and choirs of the churches they served, she was an emotional support and “sounding board” for her husband.

     Mindy’s bookkeeping skills were often called upon. At the time of her death, she served as treasurer of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Penfield, NY, and as the treasurer of the Genesee/ Finger Lakes Conference of the Upstate New York Synod, E.L.C.A.  Her musical talents, both as a vocalist and an accompanist, are missed already.  

     Mindy’s last paid employment before retirement was as the accounting manager for the Alternative Living Group in Albany, NY.

     She was the mother of two adult children: Sarah Frick (Jeremy), and Mark Peterson (Robyn). Mindy loved being a grandmother and seldom missed attending any concert, sporting event or award ceremony for her five granddaughters: Ella, Anya, Abby, Quinn, and Mia.

     Mindy is also survived by two sisters in Minnesota, Deb Sandberg (John Frederick) and Becky Nelson (Larry Hoffstrom).

     Visitation will be held 4-7PM Friday, January 23, at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Avenue, Webster. Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, January 24, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Penfield, 1767 Plank Road, Webster.

     Memorials may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Penfield, 1767 Plank Road, Webster, NY 14580.