Jenny Catherine Zilka

Jenny (Giannina) Primeggia, 84, died peacefully in her home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Born in Avella, Italy, in 1941, Jenny spent her early years in Italy , developing her interest in food, fashion, sewing and design. Emigrating to the United States at age 14, the family settled in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, where Jenny attended and graduated from Ambridge High School in 1960.

In 1962, Jenny met and married her husband, Carl Zilka, of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, and set out to build a family and a lifetime of memories. They moved to Sandusky, Ohio, and welcomed their first three daughters. By 1966, they moved to Saratoga Springs, New York , and welcomed a fourth daughter. While Jenny and Carl raised their family in Saratoga, Jenny became active in the community, volunteering for St. Peter’s church and the Flower Club. As a young mother of four, she perfected her sewing skills, creating beautiful draperies for the home, styling herself in Jackie O inspired shift dresses, and outfitting her daughters in matching dresses and capes for special occasions.

Jenny eventually ventured into the workforce. With an eye for fashion, she parlayed her sophisticated personal style into a position with Jordan Marsh at Crossgates Mall as their Fashion Consultant , building wardrobes for clients, as well as promoting on site and off site fashion shows and events as their Special Events Coordinator. Next, Jenny became a Bridal Consultant at Trousseau Bridal Salon in Saratoga Springs, eventually purchasing the shop in 1986 and renaming it Gianine’s Wedding Shoppe. She enjoyed buying trips to New York City, where she focused on cultivating an inventory of upscale designer bridal dresses, attracting customers from near and far to purchase their bridal or mother’s dresses. Jenny eventually retired and sold the shoppe. Seeking a warmer climate, Jenny and Carl moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, where they resided until their passing.

Jenny is preceded in death by Carl, her husband of 61 years. She is survived by her four daughters: Gianine Crowell (Paul), Carla Zilka, Paula Zilka Colbert , and Lynn Zilka Perna. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Ryan and Amanda Crowell; Max Leite; Matthew and Alex Colbert; and Isabella Perna.

A Christian blessing and interment, will be celebrated on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, located at 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.