Mary Clare Zielinski

Mary Clare Zielinski, 63, of St. Charles passed away unexpectedly at home, Saturday November 8, 2014 surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. Mary was born on September 4, 1951 in West Allis, Wisconsin to proud parents Mary Jane and Frank Gerlach. Mary attended local schools in West Allis until 5th grade when the family moved to Addison, IL. Mary graduated from Addison Trail High School in 1969 and continued her studies at Elmhurst College graduating with a bachelors in Education in 1973. Mary met the love of her life Gregory Zielinski while roaming the halls of Addison Trail. They were united in marriage in 1973 in the Chapel of Elmhurst College. Mary and Greg started their life together in Lombard before moving to Glendale Heights where they were blessed with eight beautiful children, Christopher, Matthew, Elizabeth, Timothy, Jonathan, Mary Chris, Sarah, Joanna. They packed up the kids and moved a couple more times, from Virgil, to Elburn, before finally settling in St. Charles. When it came to work Mary was a jack of all trades, her love of children started her out as a teacher, before becoming a day care provider. Mary moved on to become a bookkeeper for Nestle and continuing at Shearer and Agrella Law Firm. She was also a devoted member of St. Gall Catholic church in Elburn for many years. Mary was a homebody but she liked to travel for family visits when she had a chance, spending time in Jamaica for a wedding just last year. One of her kids favorite trips with Mom was driving to Florida, to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Mary loved the outdoors, in the spring her green thumb ruled and Mary could be found in her garden. She loved to plant vegetables. Her favorite to grow was pumpkins, she made sure to grow one pumpkin for each grandchild. She enjoyed the simple things in life, watching birds, taking long walks and enjoying the company of others. The most important thing in life Mary’s life was children. She first gave all her time and energy to her own children before finding the joy and love that her grandchildren provided her. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren who she laughed and loved to joke with. Doing arts and crafts was a favorite pastime she spent doing with the grandkids. Mary had very special relationship with each and every one of her 9 grandchildren, making sure each one felt special when they were around her. She always kept 9 treats in her purse just in case all the grandkids would be around. She loved her family with all she had, she is gone now but will never be forgotten.Mary is survived by her husband Greg of 41 years, Matthew(Stephanie), Elizabeth(Steve) Mencel, Timothy(Anne), Jonathan, Mary Chris(Bill) Lamb, Sarah (Joel Bogosh) Zielinski, Joanna (Harry Vyhnanek) Zielinski. 9 grandchildren Evelyn, Clare, Jude, Joseph Zielinski, Nathan and Cameron Mencel, Henry Zielinski, Ethan and Lindsey Lamb. Her mother Mary Jane Gerlach. 6 siblings Patrick(leah) Gerlach, Sue Grudecki, Paul (Mary Beth) Gerlach, Joseph (Cathi) Gerlach, Frank (Val) Gerlach, Ann(Sean) McGreal. Mother in law Alice Zielinski. Many cousins and a countryside of friends.She is preceded in death by Her infant son Christopher, father Frank Gerlach. Father in law Raymond Zielinski Brother in law Gary Grudecki. A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 4-8pm, at Conley Funeral Home. Funeral Mass to follow Thursday, November 13, 2014, visitation 9-9:45 with mass at 10am. Private Cremation to follow funeral. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in _Mary’s name. Checks may be made to the "Mary Zielinski Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.