Patricia Zelinko

COAL CITY—Patricia Ann Zelinko, 81, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, following a long and courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born May 26, 1941 in Joliet, Patricia Ann was a daughter of William “Bud” and Evelyn C. (Liberty) Phillips. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated with the Coal City High School class of 1959. On Feb. 27, 1960, Pat married Richard Zelinko in Assumption Catholic Church. Together, they raised two children, Joanne and Jeffery and were married for 62 years.
Pat worked at many local establishments during her lifetime. Her first job was a secretary at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. She later worked for Testa’s IGA Grocery Store in the produce department and went on to retire from TCI Cable Company. Following her retirement, Pat went back to work at the Coal City Public Library. In addition she also volunteered as a Cub Scout Leader, as well as with 4-H.
Pat enjoyed playing cards with friends, reading, baking, completing large puzzles and shopping, especially for Christmas. Pat loved spending time with family, hosting holidays and playing games with her grandchildren. Pat was very creative and used her gift to crochet blankets for family; decorate flower pots for her neighbors, and make crafts with her grandchildren. Pat and her husband, Richard had the opportunity to travel many places together, and went on many adventures with their family.
Survivors include her husband, Richard; daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Michael Morrall; daughter-in-law, Julie Zelinko; grandchildren: Kyle (Alicia) Morrall, Kara (Ryan) Barks, Megan (Daniel) Leleniewski and Mitchell Zelinko, and one great-grandson, Christian Morrall.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Evelyn Phillips; son, Jeffery Zelinko, and siblings: Donna Collier, William Phillips and Donald Phillips.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway, one block north of IL Route 113 in Coal City on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will follow Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 S. Kankakee St. in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Josh Miller presiding, and Deacon Bill Dunn assisting.
A private family inurnment will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Pat’s memory to Lightway’s Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Pat’s neighbors and friends for their support, care and concern over the past years. A special thank you is also extended to her caregivers: Rebecca Willard, Mandy Griner and Jenna Emmons.
Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Pat’s memorial page online through social media.
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.