Zita Vavrin died peacefully on Friday, Nov. 15th, 2024, at the age of 80, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her two sons, Thomas and Robert, and her sister, Jindra Kubovcikova.

Zita was born on Jan. 15, 1944, in the Czech Republic, where she married her husband before fleeing communism in the 1970s. With only a suitcase and a few hundred dollars, the couple began a new chapter in America, first settling in New York before moving to Salt Lake City, drawn by a love for the outdoors. The couple later divorced, and Zita remained in Utah, where she raised her sons and built her life.

Zita cherished every moment with her family and surrounded herself with beautiful plants and animals. She was known to stop and pet every dog or cat that crossed her path, and they seemed drawn to her gentle spirit.

After completing her undergraduate degree in the Czech Republic, Zita dedicated much of her professional life to science as a microbiologist and laboratory technician. She was deeply proud of her work and maintained a lifelong appreciation for the sciences. In a final selfless act, she donated her body to the University of Utah for research and education.

As she grew older, Zita became a proud member of the Red Hat Society and frequently visited the local senior center. She leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and a radiant spirit that brightened the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Zita’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, November 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cactus & Tropicals, 2735 S. 2000 East, in Salt Lake City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cancer research organization of your choice.

Her light and love will live on in all of us.

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