Joann Patricia Zelinski

Jo-Ann Patricia Zelinski, age 62, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away peacefully with family by her side from complications of Multiple Sclerosis after a courageous journey spanning more than 30 years.

Jo-Ann was born on December 30, 1963, in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, to Patricia and Rod MacPherson. Second-youngest of five children, the close-knit and loving family moved between Northwest Ontario and Bathurst, New Brunswick before settling in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The family ties remained strong throughout Jo-Ann’s life and, while Jo-Ann and her family ventured away, trips home and visits from family members always gave her great pleasure and she cherished the strong family bonds over the years.

After graduating from Hammerskjold High School in 1982, Jo-Ann traveled to Europe with her best friend and future Maid-of-Honor, Jill Eames, a trip that instilled a life-long joy of adventure and reinforced her love of art and music. On her return home and with a bit of match-making by their sisters, Jo-Ann met the love of her life, David Zelinski, and it was an instant romance. They married in June of 1985 and together built a life filled with travel, close friends, and love. Jo-Ann and Dave settled in Calgary, Alberta, where they raised their two sons, Anders and Colin. They spent short times living in Owen Sound, Ontario and the United Kingdom before relocating to Sugar Land, Texas, in 2004.

Jo-Ann’s love of art was inspired in high school and she studied Fine Art at Lakehead University before graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1986. Whether painting on canvas, or designing and decorating their home, Jo-Ann loved to express her creativity by creating spaces and artwork that were both beautiful and deeply personal.

Travel and music were other great passions in Jo-Ann’s life. Over the years, she, Dave and their sons traveled across Canada and the United States and explored the sites in the UK and Europe while living outside of London, as well as returning several times afterwards, creating lasting memories together. Whether in big arenas or small clubs, Jo-Ann and Dave attended many live music performances and Jo-Ann always had the stereo playing. Her love of music was instilled in her sons who both studied music and continue to perform together.

Above all, Jo-Ann was devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, David Zelinski; her sons, Anders Zelinski (Rebecca Schuetz) and Collin Zelinski; and her cherished granddaughter, Mei, who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her mother, Pat MacPherson; her siblings, Brenda Levesque, Jerry MacPherson (Connie), Lorraine Commisso (Ken), and Colleen Levesque; in-laws Jane Evans (Todd), Leslie Lagadin (Dean) and John Zelinski, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Jo-Ann was predeceased by her father, Rod MacPherson and her dear brothers-in-law, Phil Levesque and JP Levesque.

For more than three decades, Jo-Ann faced Multiple Sclerosis with tremendous grit, stubbornness, and grace. Even as the disease progressively limited her abilities and left her seriously disabled during the past six years, she maintained a positive outlook and an unwavering will to enjoy life, love her family, and appreciate the beauty around her. Her strength inspired all who knew her.

Jo-Ann will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, resilience, sense of adventure, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends. Her beautiful spirit lives on in the lives she touched, the memories she created, and the art and beauty she brought into the world.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered support, friendship, and care throughout Jo-Ann’s journey. In particular, the friendship and love shared by her long-time care giver Maggie Gonzales and hairdresser Kayla Serrato were important in keeping Jo-Ann comfortable and looking marvelous these past years.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A private celebration will be held with family in Thunder Bay at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National MS Society. https://donate.nationalmssociety.org

A Memorial Service will be held at Forest Park Missouri City Funeral Home, 4217 Shipmans Cove Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77545, US, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on July 18, 2026, followed by a Celebration Of Life Reception at the same location from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.