Juta Vaska Zacharski

After a brief illness, Juta Vaska Zacharski, age 99, passed away on November 16, 2022. She is survived by her niece Kristina Vaska-Haas and nephews Andres Vaska, Marcus Vaska, Matthias Vaska, and Paul Vaska.

Juta was born in Rakvere, Estonia on April 7, 1923. She was the oldest of 3 children born to Emilie and Jakob Vaska. She was predeceased by her husband Casimir M. Zacharski, Jr. and brothers Lauri and Vootele Vaska.

One of the most defining events in Juta’s life was World War II and its impact on her and her family. After Estonia’s brief independence between the World Wars, Estonia was invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union and then Germany. At the end of World War II, the impending brutal reoccupation by the Stalinist Soviet Union caused many Estonians to flee. Juta’s harrowing escape from Estonia and emigration to the West was traumatic and influenced her view of the world. Her family was separated in their haste to escape communist rule, but they were miraculously reunited in a displaced persons camp in Germany after the war.

From there the family emigrated to the United States where the next stage of Juta’s life unfolded. On Hempstead, Long Island, the family members decided on their next steps while cleaning houses, laboring as gardeners, giving piano lessons and exploring university studies. One of Juta’s early passions was music passed on from her mother Emilie. She developed into an accomplished pianist and teacher.

Through a mutual acquaintance, Juta was introduced to her future husband Casimir Zacharski from Baltimore Maryland, and their devoted marriage of over 60 years remained strong until the passing of Casimir just 2 months ago. Juta was very active with her brother Lauri’s children Andres, Marcus, Kristina, Matthias and Paul. She introduced her niece and nephews to piano and the overall appreciation of classical music. Juta also became a well known and beloved piano teacher, giving lessons at their house for many years. In addition to music, Juta was very active in the Estonian community in Baltimore including playing organ at the Estonian Lutheran church. She will be dearly missed.

The visitation will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday Dec 1st followed by an 11 AM church service at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1900 Saint Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218. Interment will be at 1:00 PM at Parkwood Cemetery, 3310 Taylor Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21234. The family will host a reception at 2:00PM at Matthew’s 1600, 1600 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

St Mark’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church

c/o P. Peter Anniko

3800 Erdman Ave

Baltimore MD 21213

Arrangements are being handled by MacNabb Funeral home, Catonsville, MD. https://www.macnabbfuneral.com/