Catherine Zafirau Obituary

Catherine (Burnard) Zafirau, age 82, passed away at home with her loving husband by her side on February 21, 2026 in Port Clinton, Ohio. She was born in Sylvania, Ohio on June 23, 1943, to the late Harold Burnard and Carmelita (Simon) Burnard, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio before studying Education at Mary Manse College and eventually earning her master's degree at the University of Toledo. After she began teaching, she met James Zafirau, the love of her life and her husband of 55 years, and together they built a life centered on faith and devotion to their family. Catherine worked as an educator for over 30 years, teaching at Port Clinton Junior High School before serving as a guidance counselor at Port Clinton High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Loretta Burnard, and brother Joseph Burnard. She is survived by her husband Samuel James Zafirau; her children, William (Kelly) Zafirau, Stephen (Sarah) Zafirau, and Sarah Marie Zafirau; her treasured grandchildren, Wesley, Elizabeth, Emily, Eleanor, and Henry; siblings James Burnard, Margaret Burnard, Louise Burnard, and Albert Burnard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Catherine will be remembered for her kind, generous, and humble spirit, and her devotion to her family and others. She was a lifelong Catholic who lived her faith in the vocation of marriage and family life, and she was a current member of Immaculate Conception Church in Port Clinton, Ohio. As the mother of a special needs child, she became a patient advocate for her daughter and others with disabilities. In her retirement, she volunteered as a member of various boards and organizations that served the disabled. She was also an avid gardener and was famous for her homemade jams and fruit pies using the produce that she grew. But, most of all, she loved spending time with her family, relishing family trips and gatherings and taking it upon herself to prepare many legendary family meals.

Viewing will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton on Saturday, February 28th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held after mass at the Denny Bergeman Hall at the Knights of Columbus, located at 109 E. Perry Street in Port Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Luther Home of Mercy, Catholic Charities, or a humanitarian charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Clinton.