Ivone Zeleniakas

Ivone, age 76, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Cary, North Carolina.Ivone was born on August 9, 1949, in Canoas, Brazil. She was the youngest daughter of Rosalina and Alexander Zeleniakas and the youngest of six siblings.

On March 25, 1967, she married the late Rodney Nunes. In 1968, Ivone and Rodney immigrated from Brazil to Los Angeles, California, with their young daughter, Lara. There, they built a beautiful life together and later welcomed their second daughter, Michelle. 

Ivone was a vivacious woman, full of life, laughter, and warmth. She loved ballroom dancing and could captivate a room with her grace and beauty. She had a strong sense of adventure and found great joy in traveling and experiencing new places.

Ivone dedicated her life to caring for children. She owned and operated a daycare center and pursued certification to work with disabled children. She spent 18 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a one-to-one teaching assistant, a role that brought immense joy not only to her life but also to the many children whose lives she touched.

Ivone was preceded in death by her beloved hus-band, Rodney Nunes; her  parents, Rosalina and Alexander Zeleniakas; and four of her five siblings. She is survived by her loving daughters, Lara Nunes and Michelle Nunes; her grandchildren, Steven Rester, Chelsea Rester, Tatiana Glasscock, and Kaden Keller; and her great-grandchildren, Aidyn Rester, Aeriana Glass-cock, Lilyana Glasscock, and Richard Glasscock, Jr.

Ivone will be remembered for her joyful spirit, loving heart, and lifelong dedication to caring for others.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful love and care given by Ms. Sudie Williams and The Blair Memory Care Facility.

A Funeral service will be held at Apex Funeral Home at 550 W Williams St Apex NC 27502 on Thursday January 29th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Apex Funeral Home. 

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