Nancy Lynn Zarra's Obituary
Nancy Lynn Mocarski Zarra passed away on January 24, 2026, in Concord, California, at the age of 72. She had been living at Willow Pass Health Care Center since 2014, where she received compassionate care during her long illness.
Born on January 15, 1954, in Belleville, New Jersey, Nancy graduated from Belleville High School in 1972. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Trenton State College (The College of NJ) in 1976. Her passion for nursing began early, when she volunteered as a Candy Striper at Clara Maass Hospital during her high school and college years.
She began her professional career there and later became a Newborn Nursery Nurse at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey. Nancy furthered her nursing education and specialized in orthopedic surgical nursing there.
Two decades ago, she relocated to Novato in Marin County to work at the UCSF Cancer Center at Mt. Zion Hospital in San Francisco.
Nancy found joy in cooking and sharing meals with friends and family. She always stood up for the underdog and sought to help those who were more in need than she was.
She is survived by her son, Anthony J. Zarra, and his wife, Sarah; two granddaughters, Sienna & Corinne; her brother, Dr. Edward Mocarski, PhD (Dr. Christine Martens, PhD); niece, Dr. Emily Mocarski, DVM; and her sister, Susan J. Mocarski (Darrell Elwell).
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on February 7 at Skylawn Memorial Park in the Santa Cruz Chapel, located at Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with interment immediately afterward. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
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