It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we gather to celebrate the life of Lynn Ann Zdunek, a woman whose presence brought laughter, warmth, and love to everyone she met. Born on January 4, 1954, to Sam and Antionette Lupo, Lynn grew up in Illinois, leaving behind (with cherished family and friends) a legacy of (lighthearted) humor, quiet strength, and undeniable charm.

Lynn passed away on November 10, 2024, in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to her passing, she lived in Queen Creek, AZ, having previously resided in Huntley, Illinois.

Lynn shared 50 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Donald Edward Zdunek, a man she described as her first and only true love. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love, raising three children: Kara (Chris Walsh), Donald Jeffrey (Monika Jadeszko), and Robert (Lauren Zdunek). Her family grew to include six adoring grandchildren, Mason (13), Mia (10), Rocco (6), Jack (8), Jordan (6), and Jase (3), who knew her affectionately as “Binkie” or “Gammy”—a testament to her love of all things personal and endearing.

As one half of the famed "Lupo Sisters," Lynn shared a lifelong sisterhood with her older sister, Gail Klepacki, who survives her. Together, they were a dynamic duo, known for their quick wit and infectious laughter. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Antionette Lupo, and her brothers, Sam and Michael Lupo, whose memories she carried with her always.

Lynn’s closest friends shared memories describing her as profoundly “unbothered.” This unshakable demeanor allowed Lynn to parent her three children with saint-like patience and grace. Life threw challenges her way, but Lynn’s quiet strength saw her through, from the heartbreak of losing both parents within weeks of each other to the determination to literally pick herself up after breaking her ankle while crossing a busy Chicago street—though perhaps the latter was helped along by Donald’s urgent encouragement to “Get out of the street!”

Lynn’s love story with Donald was one for the ages, punctuated by moments that made memories from the usual side of the scale to the hysterical. During her years as a stay-at-home mom, Lynn was known for her meticulous housekeeping, keeping a home that was as warm and inviting as it was immaculately clean. But in retirement, Lynn decided she had earned a break, humorously leaving the cleaning duties to Donald, who took great care of their home and her—albeit with the occasional good-natured grumble. Yet, he did it lovingly, because as everyone knew, his devotion to Lynn was unwavering.

One of their most cherished memories was renewing their vows for their 49th anniversary on the sandy beaches of Kauai in 2023, an experience that became an eternal memory for their family.

In her later years, Lynn’s sense of humor only sharpened. Family dinners often turned into comedy hours as she regaled everyone with surprisingly candid stories about her and Donald’s early years as a couple —including tales of their dates that often ran past curfew for reasons that shan't be printed and much to her sister's dismay — these anecdotes became part of the fabric of family lore.

But perhaps Lynn’s greatest joy came from her role as a grandmother, affectionately known as Binkie or Gammy. Whether devotedly making treat bags for her grandchildren’s visits, writing letters to those far away, or simply sitting in awe as they played, Lynn’s love for them was boundless. She had a way of making each grandchild feel like the center of the universe, celebrating their accomplishments with letters, gifts, and a sparkle in her eyes that only they could bring. She instilled her own special sparkle in them. 

Lynn’s vibrant energy, unshakable strength, and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a treasure trove of memories—the kind that bring tears of both laughter and sorrow, the kind that will keep her spirit alive for years to come.

We are honored to host a celebration of Lynn’s remarkable life, when her loved ones can gather to share stories, laughter, and, undoubtedly, a few quips that would have made Lynn proud.

In the words of her family, “She was a special lady, and her magic lives on in all of us.”

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