Marilyn and Pete Zornik met in 1989 after being set up by friends. Pete had just moved to the area for a job opportunity, so meeting Marilyn was the icing on the cake. They went to a lot of movies in the beginning as she couldn’t understand his New England accent, and he couldn’t understand her southern dialect! They married in 1991 and have lived in their Heights home for the last 33 years. 

 

“At one time, we claimed we could be the youngest on the street; today, we might be the oldest!” Marilyn jokes. 

 

Pete grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, and went to Texas A&M to earn a degree in economics. After, he attended The William H. Bowen School of Law, graduating in 1999. Marilyn grew up in Merigold, Mississippi, and graduated from South Mississippi with a BS in journalism and marketing. Today, Marilyn is retired after working in nonprofits for 35 years, and Pete is the regional vice president for USAble Life. 

 

They shared their forever home with their daughter, Anna Margaret, who died of cancer at the age of 15. It was a hard time for the Zorniks, but a blessing in disguise arrived at their door when COVID hit, and the neighborhood kids, who Marilyn and Pete affectionately refer to as their “grand chicks,” found them and filled their home with joy. 

 

“They played ball in the street and rode their bikes,” they share. “They came to see us because we had the best candy drawer on the planet. Cold beverage selection is available, too.” They are older and back in school playing sports. Two new groups of kids have emerged since 2020, and it just keeps us happy.” 

 

The kids have brought so many traditions to the Zorniks. From birthdays to Halloween and Christmas, there is always some party or gathering in their home. 

 

Marilyn loves hanging out in her yard and watching her elephant ears grow. This also gives her the chance to see her neighbors strolling by so she can wave hello. She also is part of the community-based Bible study. Pete enjoys golf every week with his buddies (even after claiming he’s going to sell his clubs!). Together, you can find them reading, traveling or watching television. 

 

To relax, their dubbed grand chicks come over. Well, a house full of kids isn’t exactly relaxing, but it is comforting. It’s the joy of their colored pictures made just for Pete and Marilyn and the stories about their days that bring relaxation. After a long day, though, the two are certainly glad to kick back with friends over dinner and a cocktail! 

 

The Zorniks are active on the nonprofit school board in Little Rock and North Little Rock. They really love being part of the Allen School, one of the first schools for children with intellectual disabilities in the south, as that’s where Anna Margaret attended. 

 

For them, The Heights is home, and they have no intentions of ever leaving. 

 

“Years ago, a relator knocked on our door and asked if we wanted to sell, and we said, ‘Nope, Never!’”