Shirley Arlene Zielinski passed away on Jan. 18, 2020, at the age of 87 with her family at her side.
She was born on July 28, 1932 in The Dalles to Ernest and Mabel Peck. She attended elementary school in Boardman and secondary school at St. Joseph’s Academy in Pendleton, where she embraced the gift of Catholicism which became a major part of her life. She worked as the city clerk for Boardman for 31 years, and was instrumental in the relocation of the town to its current site.
She was a fixture at Riverside High School sporting events for more than 50 years. Once her own children graduated, she continued to be a cheerleader for nieces and nephews as she rallied them on from her wheelchair.
Following retirement, she was constantly planning her next adventure. She was truly a lifelong learner and travel was her means of study. She visited Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta, walked on the Camino in Spain, and saw the wildebeests of the Serengeti. She journeyed to six continents – Australia was the one missed.
She was a foodie that greeted everyone with, “What’s the best thing you’ve had to eat?” Her home was the central point for all family gatherings. “Thanksgiving in July” was often celebrated for those who couldn’t make it home in November.
She is survived by her children Toni Lampkin (Mike), Ron Zielinski (Denise), Jerry Zielinski (Renee) and Julie Lessard (Gordon). She greatly loved her grandchildren, Heather, Chelsea, Ryan, and Brent and her many nieces and nephews – some of whom still live in Boardman where the Peck family continues to have a presence since 1927.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at 6 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Boardman.
A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25. Mass will be said at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 78922 Olson Road SE in Boardman. A short graveside service will be held at the Riverview Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Port of Morrow Riverfront Center. Friends are invited to attend any part or all of the celebration.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children at st.jude.org
Please share memories with the family at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
