Rita Jane Zelinski

Rita Jane Zelinski, 96, of Auburn passed away on April 23, 2024, at The Nottingham RHCF in Jamesville. Born in Auburn on April 8, 1928, Rita was the daughter of the late John and Stella (Rybash) Fritz. She grew up in Auburn and spent the first ninety-three years of her life there. She graduated from St. Hyacinth’s School and Central High School. She was employed with Lewis Drug Store, International Harvester Co., Red Star Express and Auburn Memorial Hospital where she gave many years of service. Rita was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Church where she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society and volunteered at the Food Pantry. She lived the last three years of her life at The Nottingham RHCF in Jamesville where she was loved and tenderly cared for by the wonderful staff. Her family will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses she received there. Rita will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Her favorite saying is a paraphrased quote from St. Thomas More. “Pray for me as I will for thee until we meet again merrily in heaven”.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Mary (Robert) Trebendis; her sons, Paul Zielinski and Jerry Zelinski; her grandchildren, Jeanette (Pat) Stevens, Jeremy (Ashley) Zelinski, Samara Zelinski, Lucas (Sarah) Zelinski, and Daniel (Tracey) Trebendis; her great grandchildren, Ethan Trebendis, Madelyn Trebendis, Reese Zelinski, Emmett Zelinski, Miles Zelinski, Azalea Zelinski, Carlito Zelinski, Zoe Stevens and Finn Stevens, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jerome Zelinski; her son, Michael Zelinski; her brothers, Alfred Fritz, John (Estelle) Fritz and Victor (Alma) Fritz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 29th at 10am in St. Alphonsus Church, Auburn. Friends are welcome to visit with the family prior to mass from 9am - 10am in church. Interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry. To offer condolences to the family, please visit whitechapelfh.com.

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