WESTMINSTER – WESTMINSTER, MA – Roxanne “Roxy” Gail Jones Zaharchuk, age 59, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, October 11, 2013, following an extended illness.
Roxy was born at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine on September 14, 1954. She grew up in Fort Fairfield, Maine, where she enjoyed cheerleading, playing the flute, and skiing. Her high school yearbook described her as “Always ready. Always there. Always willing to do her share.”
Roxy received her Associate of Science in Mental Health Technology from University of Maine in 1974, her Bachelor of Arts from University of Maine in 1976, and her Master of Science in Counseling from Fitchburg State College in 1994. Roxy met Michael Zaharchuk while attending University of Maine and they were married on December 31, 1976. In 1981, they moved to Massachusetts with their two young children, Rya and Jonathan.
Roxy spent 24 years working for the Ashburnham-Westminster School District, with her most recent position being the district’s Home-School Liason. Roxy was known throughout the school system, and the community, for her compassion and dedication to helping others. She volunteered her time as a Girl Scout Leader, Den Mother, Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Band Chaperone, Sunday School Teacher, Church Nursery Volunteer, and Relay for Life Participant. Her infectious laugh, thoughtful gestures, and loving presence will be deeply missed.
Roxy is survived by her husband, Michael Zaharchuk, originally from Richmond, Maine; her daughter, Rya (Zaharchuk) Bennett; her son-in-law, James Bennett; and her grandchildren, Caden and Kara Bennett of Ashburnham, Massachusetts; her son, Jonathan Zaharchuk; and daughter-in-law, Meighan (Driscoll) Zaharchuk of Keene, New Hampshire; her mother, Myrna (Lovely) Jones Bradley of Fort Fairfield, Maine; her brother, Rodney Jones of Easton, Maine; her sister, Narda (Jones) Plant of Fort Fairfield, Maine; her sister, Rebecca (Jones) Tinkham of Alexandria, Virginia; her brother, Jay Jones of Bowdoin, Maine; and many well-loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Roxy was preceded in death by her father, Vinal Jones of Fort Fairfield, Maine.
Calling hours were held at the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home at 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday October 14th. A funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church of Westminster at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday October 15th. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The First Baptist Church of Westminster, 117 Main Street, Westminster, MA 01473 or to The Gardner Visiting Nurses Association via their website at http://www.gvnahealthcare.org/Charitable-Giving.html.