Zinta Malejs

Zinta "Z" Malejs (née Alks), age 82, a total force of nature, an unforgettable educator, and a fiercely devoted matriarch, peacefully took her stroll into the Debess Pļavas (Heavenly Fields) on May 15, 2026. She passed away at home, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

There are some people you meet and simply never forget; Zinta personified unforgettable. Born in Latvia on December 2, 1943, her early childhood was shaped by the war. Torn from her homeland, she immigrated to the United States with her family, spending her youth on the quiet streets of East Aurora and then South Buffalo. Zinta built a life out of pure determination, graduating from South Park High School and later earning her Master’s in Education from the University at Buffalo.

For many years, Zinta was a beloved intermediate teacher in the Maryvale Schools in Cheektowaga, NY, where she commanded her classrooms with a natural warmth and rapport. Her impact as an educator was long-lasting; for decades, former students would stop her in public to share lessons they never forgot.

In 1968, she married the love of her life, Vidis Malejs, beginning 58 years of unconditional love. Together, they built a beautiful life, and Zinta proudly worked to help support Vidis through his own schooling to become an architect. In recent years, she found contentment in watching her favorite sports: tennis, golf, and basketball, right beside her best friend and husband, Vidi.

Zinta lived her life with vivacity and an adventurous, spontaneous spirit that knew no bounds. She flooded her home with culture and a love of music, she loved the thrill of skiing and sailing, and possessed a deep, spiritual connection to the water and the peace of nature. She was proud of her Latvian roots, immersing her family in folk dancing, song festivals, and beloved summers spent at heritage camps. To Zinta, the world was just a collection of people who hadn’t had the pleasure of spending time with her yet. Never hesitating to begin a conversation with anyone. She was truly a one-of-a-kind force of energy.

Zinta is reunited in the Heavenly Fields with her parents, Voldemārs and Elza Alks, and her siblings, Uldis Alks and Vija Ivansons.

Her legacy of love, humor, and endless energy will be carried on by her devoted husband, Vidis; her brother, Vitauts Alks; and her three children, Peter (Sue) Malejs, Maris Malejs, and Inga (Michael) Yanoski. Her many friends will carry her spirit forward in their lives. She remains the unforgettable "Omama" to her five cherished grandchildren whom she adored: Kaiva, Karlina, Kristaps, Kara, and Maggie.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the helping hands at Hospice—you are all saints! A memorial service to celebrate Zinta's remarkable life will be held at Parkside Lutheran Church, 2 Wallace Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214 on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Zinta’s memory to Hospice of Buffalo.

Lai tev vieglas smiltis, mīļā Mammiņa.