Zelda Marie Scitticatt

Zelda Marie Scitticatt, lovingly known as Marie, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at the age of 77.

Marie was born on October 6, 1947, in Bisbee, Arizona, and raised in Douglas, Arizona. She attended school in Douglas, where she shined as a baton twirler in the high school band and was recognized for her academic achievements. As a junior, she was selected for the prestigious Girls State program and also had the opportunity to study Spanish abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. Marie graduated from Douglas High School as Salutatorian of her class.

After high school, Marie attended Arizona State University for four years. During this time, she worked and studied on Mackinac Island in Michigan. She took a ferry to work, and in a true showcase of her determination in life, she decided to swim to shore one day when she was running late. 

Marie pursued a career in the medical field as a Cardiopulmonary Technician at University Hospital in Phoenix, where she met Lonnie Bleak. The two married and welcomed their son, Jason Zachary Blake, in 1972. After Jason’s birth, Marie continued working in the respiratory field while raising him as a single parent following her divorce.

In the years that followed, Marie faced the challenges of a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, which ultimately led to her retirement. She and her partner, Paul Moss, lived at Z Dude Ranch in Cochise, Arizona, until Paul's passing on Thanksgiving Day in 2013. Marie later moved to Tucson to be closer to family, residing at Fellowship Square and, eventually Klein’s Care Home. When she arrived there, she said "this is the last one, hopefully”, and it was.

Marie is survived by her son, Jason Blake (Crissi); her grandchildren, Elly and Emmy Blake; her sister, Devy Scitticatt; nieces, Denie West (Clint) and Megan Hernandez (Joe); great-niece, Bailey Kelley (Kody); nephews, Michael Greenwalt (Kristin) and David Greenwalt; great-nephews Dillon Williamson (Lira, expecting); Brett West, and Magnus Greenwalt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Ruth Scitticatt; her brother, Gary Scitticatt; ex-husband, Lonnie Blake, and her long-time partner, Paul Moss. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Klein’s Care Home and her hospice nurse, Rachel, for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Pastor John Hintz and Judy for their friendship and ministry for the past 3 years.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm at El Dorado Cemetery, near the Chiricahua mountains (Please see the picture in gallery for directions).  A potluck will follow at the clubhouse.

We would love to see you at her memorial, if you need directions, please call us.