Evelyn Sandra (Kunigel) Zarychta, 77, of Allentown, died Nov. 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Frank J. Zarychta to whom she was married 56 years. Born in Scranton, Lackawanna County, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Alexandra (Sokolek) Kunigel.

A graduate of Wilkes University with a Bachelor of Education degree, she taught art at KidsPeace for almost 30 years. She was a member of The Penn State Extension Master Gardener training program in the Lehigh Valley.

Passionate about gardening and all living things, she was most happy in her garden and often found there with Orca, her faithful companion and rescue cat.

Having a love for animals, she founded the former Homeward Tails Animal Rescue in Allentown and volunteered for most of her life helping various rescues, helping others with animals in distress and fostering countless animals in her own home for adoption later.

She was an avid baker, famous for her fruit pies, cake pops and cookies at family events, holidays and baking events in the community. In her youth, she was a Girl Scout. She was a talented artist and seamstress. She was well known in the local soccer community and was often asked to bring her pierogi casserole to the Hornet Hut to support the Emmaus soccer team. She was an involved member of Our Lord’s Ascension Polish National Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by children, Nikole Ettinger (Eric), of Allentown, Erik A. (Michele), of Philadelphia, Aaron K. (Martyna), of Philadelphia; brother, Arthur C. Kunigel (Rosemary), of Oregon; grandchildren, Nina, Mark, Jaeden, Annabel, Charlotte.

She was predeceased by a sister, Arlene Kunigel.

Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville handled the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peaceable Kingdom, Forgotten Felines and Fidos, Inc. and/or Master Gardeners of Lehigh/Northampton County.