Retta May (Walker) Zawadzki
October 12, 1935 - July 25, 2023
Retta May (Walker) Zawadzki, age 86, of Dover, DE, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, surrounded by her three children and daughter-in-law.
Born in Licking, MO on October 12, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Edith Skidmore and Andy J. Walker. Retta was a hard worker, she loved helping people and did so by working as a visiting nurse’s aide for several years and in the housekeeping field. She loved her children dearly and demonstrated this by serving as a den mother of her sons’ boy scout troop, a library assistant in her children’s middle school, as well as a Sunday school bus attendant. Retta was an avid reader and enjoyed a good mystery novel.
In addition to her parents, Retta was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Zawadzki; and her nine siblings. She is survived by her children, Benjamin Zawadzki, Raymond Zawadzki (Nikki Taylor), and Janice (Zawadzki) Hammond; her 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 2 pm on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 2 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Retta’s memory to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Cynthia McGlothlin
I’m saddened to read about Rettas Passing I worked with her in the food court in Christiana Mall she was a sweet lady she used to take me to ShopRite to do grocery shopping when she went shopping
Christine Bain and Chris Helwig
We are so saddened to hear of your loss and our prayers and condolences are with Ms. Retta’s family.
Sadie Bynum
I’m so sorry to learn of Mrs. Zawadzki’s passing. She was a kind, generous, and warm-hearted neighbor who has a meaningful role in my childhood memories of New Castle. I spent so many hours at her home with Janice—hours filled with laughter, comfort, and the simple joy of feeling welcomed.
I’ll never forget how often she fed me, even though I didn’t realize at the time just how much she was already doing to care for her own family. She introduced me to what I think is called “egg in the hole”—a slice of bread with an egg fried right into the center. It was simple, buttery, and I think I requested one every time I saw her. To this day, whenever I make it, I think of her.
Her house always felt open—filled with the sound of rock music blasting from either (or both!) “Benny” and Raymond’s rooms, and her voice calling out to them with a steady mix of love and no-nonsense motherhood. She worked incredibly hard, and yet still found a way to make space for one more plate at the table, one more kid in the mix.
Though it’s been many years since I’ve seen her or her children, the memory of her presence—her gentleness, her quiet strength, work ethic, and her unwavering kindness—has stayed with me. What a gift it was to grow up in proximity to a mother like her.
May she rest in peace. And may those who loved her know that she made a lasting impression on more hearts than she probably realized. I am deeply grateful to have known her family and spent time in her presence.