In Memory
Rita L. (Markiewicz) Zielinski
Rita L. Zielinski Nov. 4, 1926 - Jan. 23, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Rita L. Zielinski was born on November 4, 1926, the second of four children born to the union of Edward and Lottie (Malkowski) Markiewicz: Sr. Mary Loretta CSFN, Geraldine Litka and John Markiewicz all preceding her in death.
Polish being the primary language spoken in her home, she learned English as a second language when she attended St. Casimir's Catholic Elementary School; and, although she received a 4 year scholarship to South Bend Catholic High School, she graduated from Washington High School (in 1945) because she wanted to remain with her friends.
On October 4, 1947, in St. Casimir's Church, she married John S. Zielinski, Jr.; and to that loving union were born 7 children: James (who died at the age of 30), Kris (Mark) Garstki, Elizabeth (Michael) Cecil, John III (who died at the age of 23 months), Pete (Melissa), Mary (Frank) Hellwig and John (Debra).
After raising a large family and practicing nursing as an LPN for many yearsand with strong encouragement from the rest of the familyMom graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 1978. Mom specialized in Oncology nursing at Memorial Hospital for many years, where she made many wonderful friends, including her best friend, Darlene Gottschalk, who was an important source of comfort for Mom through the years after Dad died in 1992.
Mom loved to dance, especially the jitterbug with our dad and also the polka with anyone who would join her on the dance floor; and, even at the age of 87, she could be seen out on the dance floor at weddings, most recently the wedding of her grandson Marcus (Nicole). She also liked classical music, the theater, nature, gardening, puzzles and reading.
Mom opened our home to many people and loved cooking for her children, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. Her potato salad was exceptional; her pierogis were everyone's favorite; and her city chicken was simply out of this world. She made fantastic jelly from grapes she picked from the vines she and Dad planted years ago; and she made kiflis as light as a feather, also enjoying a good cup of 'cream with her coffee'. She loved her grandchildrenBeth (married to Eli Lampson), Megan (married to Tavis McGeachin), Kara Barth, Daniel Zielinski, Kevin Garstki, Marcus (married to Nicole), Luke and Elise Hellwig, Noelle Zielinskiand her great grandchild, Tristan Zielinski as well as her many nephews, nieces and their families. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Kay Markiewicz, her dear brothers-in-law, Edward Zielinski and Tom Zielinski and his wife, dear sister-in-law, Fran Zielinski.
Mom was active at St. Casimir's Church while living in South Bend and served on the Visitation of the Sick committee, while also a member of the St. Anne's Society, Senior Citizens club, Rosary & Altar Society and the choir. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Casimir's Church, 1308 Dunham St., South Bend, IN 46619.
Viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN 46628. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Casimir's Church on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jose Martelli, C.S.C. officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2015.
06/14/2023 EJS
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