Loleta “Bunny” Mae Zayas (née Cheney) 

Born August 18th, 1941 - Passed on September 28th, 2026

Loleta “Bunny” Mae Zayas passed peacefully at home, with her devoted husband by her side. She was 85 and will be remembered for the warmth, kindness, and quiet joy she brought to those who loved her.

Born to Vernon and Marierose Cheney, Bunny was raised in Plaistow, New Hampshire, a place that remained an important part of her story. After high school, she began a long career in manufacturing. First working at Western Electric, her career later continued at Modicon / Schneider Electric, where she met Francisco “Frank” Zayas of New York City. In 1989, Bunny and Frank moved to Newton, New Hampshire, where they married, built a loving home together, and later enjoyed their retirement.

Bunny had a quiet, warm-hearted nature and a spirited side that shone through in the things she loved. She was a slugger on the softball team and a standout in the bowling league. Her happiest moments were often the simple ones: spending time with family, exercising, knitting, camping, relaxing at the beach, taking road trips throughout New England, and traveling to West Virginia to visit family. These treasured times reflected what mattered most to Bunny—being close to the people she loved.

Bunny leaves behind a family who loved her dearly: her devoted husband, Frank; her sons Mark Phetteplace (Kim) and Eric Phetteplace (Gail); her grandchildren Mark (Charlene), Arrick (Rebecca), Gunnar, Reagan, and Henry; her great-grandchildren Damien and Jeremy; her stepmother Hilda Cheney; her mother-in-law Carmen Lara; her sister Jan Knutsen (Tom) and half-sister Fay Cheney (James McDonnell); her sisters-in-law Nancy and Miriam Yera (John); her brothers-in-law David and Eric; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Her memory will live on in the love they shared and the many moments they treasured together.

Bunny was welcomed in rest by her parents, Vernon and Marierose Cheney; her father-in-law Fernando Lara; her brother Russell; and her sister Marjorie Hamilton.

Burial will be private at a later date under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, Plaistow, New Hampshire.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Disease Research at the hyperlink below

https://app.giveforms.com/adr/donate