Caroline "Carole" Mary Anne Zielinski

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late William and Edna (Krolick) Traigis. Carole will be remembered for her gentle strength, generous and understanding heart, and the steadfast love she shared so freely with those around her.

Carole was a dedicated, caring, and loving wife to her husband of 59 years, Ronald Zielinski, and a devoted mother to their daughters, Christa Chilson (Jim) and Beth Zielinski (Scott Kelly). She created a warm and supportive home for her family, especially during the years when Ron’s career required him to travel for months at a time. Family and service were at the center of Carole’s life, and she never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. Her thoughtfulness showed in countless ways, including the cards she faithfully sent to family members for every birthday, anniversary, and special occasion.

A graduate of Wilkes College with a degree in elementary education, Carole dedicated more than twenty years to teaching grade school in Dayton and Springboro, Ohio. She later served as a substitute teacher for many years in Fort Wayne before working as a Customer Service and Shipping Manager at an aerospace company. Teaching remained one of the great joys of her life. As she once said, her greatest enjoyment from teaching came from “seeing children’s eyes sparkle when they get it.”

Carole found joy in creativity, simple pleasures, and time spent with the people she loved. She was an avid crafter with a special love for crocheting and cross-stitch, and she enjoyed baking—especially cookies—gardening (Lily of the Valley was her favorite flower), puzzles, and reading and watching mysteries. She enjoyed traveling, with London being her favorite destination. Carole had a lifelong love of animals, an attribute she passed on to her children and wove into family life.

Carole will be remembered for her kindness, dependability, and deep devotion to family. She showed her love through service, care, and thoughtful attention to the small details that made others feel valued and remembered. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students she encouraged, and the many lives touched by her compassion and generosity.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on August 4, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

In honor of Carole’s love for animals, education, and children, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Great Lakes Border Collie Rescue, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.