Obituary of Helen Mary Zelinka

Helen Mary Zelinka, 84, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the company of her loving husband. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, the daughter of the late Elmer and Marguerite (Klein) Frank. She graduated from Saint Nicholas High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1958. Helen devoted her life to her family, faith, and community. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother and grandmother who found immense joy in the company of her loved ones. Helen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A dedicated member of Saint Jude Parish for over 60 years, she actively served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and parish receptionist. She also participated in the Thursday Night Rosary Group, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her spiritual community. Known for her remarkable talents as a seamstress, Helen’s skill and creativity were admired throughout the community. She will be remembered not only for her craftsmanship but also for her kind heart, warm spirit, and enduring faith. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Leonard Zelinka; children, Leonard and Janet Zelinka, Ashland, WI; Linda Wills, Duluth, GA; Judith Ann and James Stewart, Barton, NY; Diane and David Jupiter, Wilmington, DE; Thomas and Leah Zelinka, Kingston, PA; Stephen and Noreen Zelinka, Folsom, CA; and Mark and Shannon Zelinka, Livermore, CA; 23 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Frank and his wife Michelle, Wilkes-Barre, PA; sister, Judith Frank, Kingston, PA; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Frank, Ashburn, VA and Florence Zelinka, Mountain Top, PA; and several nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Frank, and her son-in-law, Scott Wills. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2024, at Saint Jude Parish, 420 S. Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top. Visitations for family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2024 at Saint Jude Parish. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Helen’s family would like to thank Smith Nursing home for their many years of compassionate care. Online condolences may be made by visiting Helen’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation at https://paprolife.org/donate/. Helen's legacy lives on through the love she shared and the lives she touched.