Virgin Mary and the angels gained a beautiful soul when Henrietta A. “Hengie” (Mance) Zurga passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026.

Hengie was born to Frank and Pauline (Flenker) Mance in Kansas City, Kansas, where she spent her entire life. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a person whose warmth and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Hengie married her beloved Edward J. “Oscar” Zurga, Sr. Together, they raised two children, daughter Paula A. Zurga and son Edward J. Zurga, Jr., who were truly Hengie’s pride and joy. Oscar lovingly called her “my bride,” a name he continued to use throughout their more than 60 years together.

Hengie dedicated more than 30 years of her career to Providence Medical Center, where she served as Assistant to the Dietary Director. Her responsibilities went far beyond assisting the director. She handled bookkeeping, inventory, and countless other duties, always bringing her dependable and hardworking nature to everything she did. After retiring from Providence, Hengie spent several more years working in the cafeteria for the Piper School District.

Although Hengie was not much of a traveler, she made some wonderful memories along the way. She spent a month in Earlswood, England, visiting Paula while she was working there as a consultant. During that trip, Hengie had the opportunity to see London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Dubrovnik. She and Oscar also enjoyed their many trips to Las Vegas. They would make the drive several times a year, stopping at their favorite places along the way and visiting friends they had made during their travels. Once in Las Vegas, you could almost always find Hengie at her favorite machine, happily playing her beloved nickel poker. She and Oscar also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, which became another special memory they shared.

Sports were an important part of Hengie’s life. She played basketball and softball throughout grade school and high school. Later, she became an assistant coach to Tony “Chico” Janes, who coached her daughter Paula in grade school. Chico had also been Hengie’s own basketball and softball coach, making their connection especially meaningful. Hengie was also an avid bowler. She played on the same bowling team for more than 20 years, forming lifelong friendships and helping the team win several championships.

Anyone who met Hengie seemed to love her instantly. She was kind, sweet, funny, and, every now and then, a little sassy. She had a wonderful ability to make people feel comfortable and welcome. She was especially blessed to maintain lifelong friendships with her high school girlfriends. They continued to meet every month for drinks, snacks, laughter, and cheerful conversation, a tradition that meant so much to Hengie.

Hengie was also famous among family and friends for her cooking. Her sarma and Polish sausage were legendary and became a favorite at Super Bowl parties, Christmas celebrations with her bowling team, and other special occasions. She also made an incredible Chorba, or Serbian stew, a dish that will forever bring back memories of her kitchen and the love she put into feeding those around her.

Hengie was a deeply devoted Catholic and had an especially strong faith in the Virgin Mary. She was a member of Christ the King Altar Society. Even as Alzheimer’s disease took away many memories, her faith remained. She could still remember how to pray the Rosary, which she did most days—a beautiful testament to the faith that carried her throughout her life.

Hengie is survived by her daughter, Paula A. Zurga; son, Edward J. Zurga, Jr.; sister, Joan Marie Mance Lowe (Glen); Sister, Frances (Mance) Combs. brother, Frank Mance, Jr. (Debbie); and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar; her parents, Frank Mance and Pauline Flenker Mance; her brother, Thomas Mance; and her sister, Shirley Mance.

Hengie leaves behind a lifetime of memories—of family, friendship, faith, laughter, bowling, basketball, softball, travel, good food, and so many people who loved her. Her sweet and sassy spirit will live on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made in Hengie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.