Mary Zelenka

February 9, 1918 – September 2, 2010

Mary, 92, passed away peacefully in her apartment home at Calaroga Terrace September 2; she was born in Chicago, Illinois to parents Anisia and Harriton Shklaruk, who met while immigrating to America on the voyage from Russia and the Ukraine, and lived the first half of her life in Westmont, Illinois.

Just a short distance across the street from her parents’ home, she met a boy named Jim when they were five years old, who became her lifetime friend and partner in marriage. Mary enjoyed a close-knit family life in Westmont, with her sisters, their families and Mary’s parents, living in homes next door, taking up the whole block. Across the street and down the way, lived Jim’s parents and two brothers, and Jim’s two sisters, living nearby too. Strong family, church and life-long personal friendships were a hallmark of Mary.

Mary is survived by three sons: Jim (Sandy), Bill (Madelyn) and Tom (Ann); five grandsons: Andrew (Gina), Peter (Usha and Cannon), Chris, Jake (Michelle) and Jonathan; and three great-grandsons: Jacob, Matthew and Colin; one great-granddaughter, Audrey. Mary was also blessed to be “Aunt Mary” to many nephews and nieces.

Mary always loved to meet and talk with people; and felt it an honor to be available to help volunteer at church, school or community activities. In 1959, Mary and her family moved to Portland, Oregon. She quickly became immersed in helping with the boys’ school activities, including Kenton Grade School, Jefferson High School and Lewis & Clark College. Mary and her husband, Jim, were ever present at musical performances, baseball games or other school events the boys or grandsons were involved in. It often seemed the college dorm boys knew when her cookies would arrive before Jim or Bill did!

While her boys were at home, many summer vacations were spent traveling to Westmont to visit relatives and friends. In later years, Mary and Jim enjoyed watching Major League Baseball Spring Training in Arizona, especially watching and rooting for their favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

Mary’s father always encouraged his girls to “leave this place better than you found it” and Mary certainly made life better for everyone who knew her.

Mary’s Memorial Service, arrangements by Ross Hollywood Chapel, will be held on Monday, September 6th, 11am, at the University Park Methodist Church, 4775 N. Lombard Street, Portland, Oregon 97203. The family suggests remembrance gifts in Mary’s honor to her church.