Pearl Zaki

Pearl Anna Zaki, 100, peacefully departed this life on February 15, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota. For the past 20 years, she made her home at Madonna Towers, where she spent her final moments surrounded by care and comfort. Born on June 8, 1924, in Minnieska, Minnesota, Pearl was the middle child and only daughter of Alfred and Louise (Timm) Iwinski. Her parents preceded her death, as did her brothers Earl and Roy Iwinski, her son-in-law Vince Kubat, and her husband of 47 years, Dr. F. George Zaki.

Pearl was admired for her generous spirit and straightforward, meaningful approach to life. Those who knew her will cherish her memory. Her family requests that she be remembered for the joy she brought to so many, rather than the sadness of her passing.

While Pearl devoted much of her later life to being a homemaker, she had a rich and fulfilling journey. She trained as a nurse at the Mayo Clinic, worked as a switchboard operator in Los Angeles, assisted in assembling landing gear for Boeing B29s during World War II, and was among the first cohort of women to serve in the Women's Air Corp during the war.

A dedicated Lutheran, Pearl converted to the Coptic Orthodox faith after meeting and marrying her husband in 1957. Her profound devotion to the Virgin Mary inspired her to become an author and an esteemed authority on the apparitions and sightings of the Virgin Mary that occurred in Zeitoun, Egypt, during the late 1960s.

Pearl is survived by her daughter, Mary Kubat, of Zumbrota, Minnesota, and her son, Mark Zaki of Princeton, New Jersey. She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Tammy (Wayne) Jackson of Pine Island, Minnesota, and Mara and Lana Zaki of East Brunswick, New Jersey, as well as two great-grandchildren, Katie Jackson and Kelly (Oakley) McLain, also of Pine Island. Pearl took immense pride in her family and loved each of them deeply.

A private ceremony will be held at St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in East Brunswick, New Jersey with burial at Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Zaki family.