Obituary of Anita L. Zelinski

Anita L. Zelinski, age 83, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on February 18, 2025, at Riddle Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Anita spent the past 15 years residing in Wilmington, DE, after previously making her home in Springfield, PA. She dedicated 14 years of service as an administrative assistant at The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania in the Legal Studies department before retiring in 2004. A devout Catholic, Anita was a member of St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Wilmington and formerly attended Sacred Heart Church in Clifton Heights. She was actively involved in her community, participating alongside her husband at Del Vets #1 and the Knights of Columbus De La Salle Council 590. She also belonged to the De La Salle Swim Club in Springfield and supported the swim team through volunteer hours. During her children's school years, she was a dedicated volunteer, always present to support their activities, from swim team, basketball, cheerleading, track and field, as well as Girl Scouts, academic clubs, and dance. In her earlier years, Anita enjoyed bowling and golfing. She was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, traveling to Clearwater during spring training, attending games at Citizens Bank Park as well as other ballparks, and cheering them on in good times and bad. She also was a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and was happy to see their second Super Bowl win and enjoyed the parade from the comfort of her room on television. Anita always enjoyed her time down the shore, listening to live music, attending events such as Irish weekend, and soaking in the summer sun. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Kozera and Alexandra "Alice" Kozera Davis; stepfather, David Davis; her beloved husband of 56 years, Leo A. Zelinski, who passed in 2023; and her infant daughter, Anita. Anita is survived by her three loving daughters: Christina (Anton) Dell'Orefice, Suzanne (Ted) Evans, and Karen (Joe Balok) Zelinski; her two sisters, Arlene (Marty) Devine and Lorraine (Ken) Burke; and her nine cherished grandchildren: Harlan, Christina, Liliana, and Madalena Dell'Orefice; Emileigh, Alexandra, Sophia, and Eamonn Evans; and Tyler Balok; nephews, John (Paula) Zelinski, Martin (Tony Martinez) Devine, Dan (Angela) Devine, and Michael (Kellie) Burke, a niece; Lauren (Brian) Fichter, and great-nephews and great-nieces. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday from 9:15 to 10:15 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 316 E. Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights, PA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. Online condolences may be shared at www.paganofuneralhome.com.