University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown longtime adjunct instructor Mary Zallar, who was also a former editor and nightside reporter for the Tribune-Democrat, died May 24 at home of a brain aneurysm.  She was 65.

Zallar taught journalism classes; Layout and Design, and Copyreading and Editing.

She was also a volunteer ambulance service member.

Pitt-Johnstown assistant professor Cherri Randall said she had met Zallar at the copy machine near her office and would talk with Zallar before classes.

“I wasn’t prepared for her passing,” said Randall.  “I feel sorry for her family, and it’s a big loss for UPJ.”

Zallar was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Erma Zallar, and is survived by her brothers, Russell of North San Juan, Calif., and William of Chesapeake Beach, Md.

Randall also said that Zallar was intelligent and caring.

“She was a strong woman who had difficulty in her life,” said Randall.  “I felt lonely for her.”

Zallar’s friend Karen Whitten of Franklin, Pa., said Zallar was one of her dearest friends for 36 years.

“I worked downtown on Main Street, and I met her when she worked at the Tribune-Democrat,” said Whitten.  “We have shared many great times together.”

Whitten also said that Zallar was the most kind-hearted person she met in her life.

“You will never meet anyone more honest,” said Whitten.  “And she was the smartest woman I ever met.”

Zallar was born March 9, 1946, in Johnstown.