Alice M. (Montana) Zajac, 81, was called to God's graces on Tuesday November 10, 2015. She was the wife of former Meriden State Legislator for 10 terms, John J. Zajac, Jr., her loving husband of 61 years. Born in Waterbury on March 16, 1934 she was the daughter of the late James and Genevieve Montana. Alice was a longtime resident of Meriden and has lived in Durham for the past 9 years. She was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church. Alice attended St. Joseph Grammar School, Mt. St. Joseph Academy High School and Ryder College in New Jersey. Mrs. Zajac was active in the Meriden Jaycee Auxiliary serving as Vice President. She enthusiastically participated in the Republican Women's Club, served as its Vice President and was the recipient of the Woman of the Year award. Alice was an Assistant Registrar of Voters for 13 years. Mrs. Zajac retired from the Waterbury Telephone Workers Credit Union in 1994. She then became very active in her husband's political career serving as Fundraiser Chairman and participated in various events where her cooking skills were lauded by visiting dignitaries. Alice enjoyed painting, especially Folk Art and arranging floral wreaths. She loved sharing her artistic abilities with her granddaughters. Alice loved to dance and was an avid Polka fan. She was extremely delighted that her grandchildren joined in her love of the music. Mrs. Zajac loved to cook, especially on the holidays where ethnic and traditional food was most important. She passed down these skills to her children and grandchildren. At Christmas time the Oplatek or the breaking of the wafer was a Polish tradition she cherished. Singing Irish Ballads, eating corn beef and cabbage dinners on St. Patrick's Day were also enjoyable events at the Zajac home. Lasagna was her Italian specialty. "Alice opened her heart to others, she never thought twice about giving herself, she was a wonderful warm hearted person who could make a difference in your life. Her biggest assets were the love and generosity that she rained down upon all of us," husband John said. Mrs. Zajac is survived by her five children: Richard Zajac of PA, Michael Zajac and his wife Joanne of Westbrook, Thomas Zajac and his wife Gisele of NC, Karen Olson and her husband Paul of Meriden, Jeffrey Zajac and his wife Kimberly of Durham; her grandchildren: Jeremy and Sarah of FL, Scott, Jaren and Colin of Westbrook, Shauna Panella and her husband Mike of Westbrook, Jenifer of Middletown, Heather of Durham, Kate Christofaro and her husband Dan of Meriden, Rachel of Wallingford, Callie of New Britain, Kyle Olson and Liz Braun of Washington, Megan Olson and Mike McGhee of Meriden; four great grandchildren: Christopher of FL, Jianna of New Britain, Nicholas Piazza of FL, Jaxon Christofaro of Meriden and a fifth great grandchild due in June. She also leaves her brother James Montana and his wife Maria and her niece and nephew Larina Steinke of Vermont, Jimmy Montana of Southington and her cousin Audrey Kolakowski of Wallingford. She was predeceased by her beloved son John "Jay" Zajac. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday November 13, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and attend her funeral service at 7:30 p.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. Burial will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com. Donations in memory of Alice M. Zajac may be made to St. Stanislaus Church, 82 Akron St., Meriden, CT 06450.