Mary Zalba, age 80 of Mentor, passed away July 19th, 2025. She was born August 31st, 1944 in Windsor, Canada to the late Alexander and Norma Gugusheff.
Mary retired as a travel manager at Lubrizol after a successful 28 year career.
Mary was the loving wife of the late Donald Trowbridge; beloved mother of Christian Zalba and Cary (Cathy) Zalba; grandmother of Kerri and Shane Zalba, Elizabeth and William Zalba; dearest sister of Elaine (Frank) DiTomasso.
She is fondly remembered by her grandchildren as a giving and generous grandmother that was always there for them and would love to spend time with them talking and watching movies.
Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation, but a private celebration of life with her immediate family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Reader interactions
12 Replies to “Mary Zalba”
We will miss you very much. Such a beautiful person.
Words cannot express how much I will miss my best friend! She was a big part of my life and my entire family. It is difficult to imagine life without her! My heart goes out to all her family and friends!
I love you Mary and will be together again someday♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Mary always took care of those that were frequent travelers for Lubrizol. She always made sure that I had a page of flight ticket stickers and a green marker to make any Continental Airlines Flight changes. One in particular when I was told that I would have to go back to the ticket counter to make the necessary changes. Around the corner called Mary she made the changes I made up the appropriate sticker in green ink and returned. Gate agent said “Wow that was fast” I never divulged my secret. It was great working with Mary and she will be missed.
Remembering Mary as a kind person who was Deany’s sidekick and dear friend. She will be missed. Rest in peace.💐
RIP Mary
I’m so sorry for your loss. I absolutely adored Mary. I worked with her at Lubrizol. We planned a yearly corporate event with each other for several years prior to her retiring. We used to meet at Biga in Kirtland occasionally to have pizza and chat.
Sorry to hear of her passing Elaine, my deepest condolences.
We really enjoyed being your neighbor and friend for 38 years. We especially enjoyed the past year when we spent time socializing with her . We will miss you dearly Mary. God Bless, Celeste & Dave
Grew up with her boys and spent a lot of time at the house. She always treated me like one of the family. When I started working at Lubrizol I forgot she worked and retired from there until someone said they were going to lunch with her. She was a wonderful lady and great mother.
Thinking of Mary’s family and dearest friends during this time. Sending love!
The Zalba’s were the best neighbors!
I will always remember how sweet and kind Mrs. Zalba was to us kids in the neighborhood. She was famous, in my mind, as making the yummiest French onion soup! It was always great to run into her (and Christian) throughout the years and reminisce. Hugs and love to Christian, Cary, and family.
Such sad news for the Zalba family! I will miss Mary’s love for life and travel and finding a unique place to dine and enjoy . Condolences and prayers to you all!
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