Zita Mannik, passed away on March 14, 2022. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Zita moved to the Mercer Island from Stockholm, Sweden, in 1967, where she lived for the next 55 years.

She earned a Bachelor of Science from Wisconsin University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi. Zita also received a master’s degree in Art History from the University of Stockholm.

As an ardent supporter of the arts, Zita served as a docent laureate and board member at the Seattle Art Museum, and a trustee of the Henry Gallery Association, from 1981 to 1998.

She received the Golden Acorn Award for outstanding service at Mercer Crest School’s cultural art program. The Mercer Island Art Council Member awarded Zita the Dorothy Mullen Nation Arts and Humanities Awards, for the “Trilogy” program, which combined performing, literary, and wearable arts, and featured Friends of the Rags.

She was a longtime member of the King County Medical Society Auxiliary, and once chaired the University of Washington School of Medicine Auxiliary.

Zita taught English as a second language to Vietnamese refugees and Iranian emigres in the Seattle area, helping the transition for those seeking a new life in America.

Zita was an avid gardener, and a gym rat. Her cheerful personality lit up the room at every social event and party. She passionately supported those in need, and celebrated all lives with passion and humanity.

Preceded in death by husbands Dr. Mart Mannik and Jan Sjunneson, Zita is survived by her daughter, Paula Sjunneson, her granddaughter, Elsa Sjunneson, her step children Katryn and Henri Mannik, step grandchild, Xana Steelman, and extended family in the US and Sweden.

A remembrance gathering will be held to celebrate Zita’s life at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 14, at the Luther Burbank Amphitheater (rain or shine, bring a blanket and umbrella). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Zita’s name to Jubilee Women’s Center in Seattle.