Obituary of Priscilla "Zippy" Anita Marks

Priscilla “Zippy” Marks peacefully departed this life on Sunday, February 4th, surrounded by her cherished family and friends. She was 71 years old. Born in Manchester, Connecticut on July 24, 1952, Zippy, and her family relocated to Aptos, California in 1961. She was in the first graduating class of Aptos High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California at Davis. She joined the family business, Marks-Clark Insurance, as an agent, eventually becoming the owner-manager. The business was sold to Moore and Miller and Zippy retired two years ago. Zippy was a gifted athlete and lover of softball. She played for the Blues Breakers and also the California Rockers. One of her most cherished memories was when the Rockers won the Gold Medal at the 2009 Huntsmen’s Senior Olympics in Utah. Zippy loved gardening and often sent visitors home with freshly picked fruit and vegetables from her garden. Animals held a special place in her heart and over the years she welcomed many cats and dogs into her home. She especially loved monkeys, and as a young child never missed her favorite television show “Zippy the Chimp”. She was two years old when she asked her family to call her Zippy. It stuck. Zippy is survived by her beloved family: sister, Patti Marks Loftus, nieces, Jennifer Aguilar Hay, Catherine Loftus, and EricaAnn Strutner, grandnephews, Evan Hay, Leo Strutner and James Strutner, godson, Jason Bakow. She had a very strong network of friends that mourn her passing deeply including Sioux Donatelli, Nancy Guptil, Kathryn Walsh, Adele Fukuba, Steve Wong and Linnette Bakow. She will be met in Heaven by her mother, Polly “Perky” Marks, and her sister, Pam Marks Aguilar. A memorial service honoring Zippy’s life will be held on Friday, March 8th at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Cruz Memorial Oakwood Crystal Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz 95065, with a graveside service to follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, followed by a celebration of her vibrant spirit at her cherished home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, either online at www.scanimalshelter.org/donate or by mail or in person at 1001 Rodriguez Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.