It is with great sadness that the Halpin family announces the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Zita Ann (Beyer) Halpin, 94, of Fort Wayne and formerly of New Haven, on Friday October 4, 2024 at Park Place Senior Living Center. Zita was born on June 22, 1930 in Saginaw MI, the daughter of (the late) Russell and Caroline (Collins) Beyer. After graduation from high school in 1948, she went on to study business administration. Zita married John Gerald Halpin on August 8, 1953; he preceded her in death on December 12, 1994 after 41 years of marriage.

Zita is survived by their 6 children, John Russell (Dr. Eileen Olinger) Halpin of Seattle WA, Ann Marie Blue of Fort Wayne, Andrea Erin (Richard) Wolf of Grabill, Lisa Suzanne (Joe) Endres of Fort Wayne, David Arthur Halpin of New Haven, Heather Lea (Tom) Vanden Top of Yoder; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband John, Zita was also preceded in death by her brother, Norman Beyer; sisters, Carolyn Bark, Catherine Meirndorf and Martha Casaday; son-in-law, Jeff Blue, and an infant grandson, Evan Wolf.

Zita was devout in her Catholic faith and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Haven, where she often volunteered with the Holy Name Society, assisting with their fish fries. She possessed a strong sense of independence, often referred to as one of the 'original women's libbers'; she was employed at various companies over the years but is perhaps best remembered as the longtime former owner of the Trion Tavern in New Haven. Zita received tremendous joy in her role as a mother and homemaker; she delighted in teaching her young children how to prepare meals at home, they especially enjoyed making Appian Way pizzas and chocolate pudding cakes together, and her children evolved into very capable cooks as they raised their own families. She was nurturing and truly enjoyed caring for her family in simple ways, whether darning a sock, growing garden tomatoes or altering a prom dress. Zita was tremendously proud of her children, although often a bit rowdy in their younger years, but all 6 went on to graduate from college and become productive members of their respective communities. She adored her grandchildren & great-grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together.

"Dearest Zita, you have led a long and fulfilling life, devoted to our Lord and to your loved ones; you were a good wife, mother & grandmother and you will be greatly missed!"

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Saturday October 12, 2024 in Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Rd. with visitation from 10-11am in the church.

Visitation is also from 1-3 & 5-7pm Friday at Divine Mercy-Lake Avenue Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with the Rosary at 2:30pm.

Zita will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

The family's preferred memorial is St. John the Baptist Holy Name Society, 943 Powers St. New Haven IN 46774. To share a remembrance of Zita or to offer condolences to her family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.