Obituary of Bella Patricia Zielinski
BELLA P. ZIELINSKI
January 6, 1942-December 19, 2023
Bella P. Zielinski (nee Rago) of Joliet, Illinois, died December 19, 2023. She was 81.
Once a child beauty who scuffed up her Sunday shoes playing baseball in the alley behind her parent’s home, Bella Zielinski was a woman who embraced the joyful times of her life. She cherished her family, was a loyal and wise confidant, and never took the moments that brought her happiness for granted.
Born on January 6, 1942, to Rena and James Rago, Mrs. Zielinski (nee Rago) grew up in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. In those early years, she won beauty contests, became a lead soprano in the St. Anthony of Padua Church choir, and sang duets in talent shows with her sister, Mary.
She married John Zielinski, the love of her life, in 1962, when she was just 20. A year later she started down a career path that led her to Inland Real Estate, where she earned the respect of colleagues in her role as president of marketing and communications.
After her retirement, Mrs. Zielinski decided to see the world. She packed her bags and set out on trips to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and South America with some of her family members. Meeting new people and exploring new cultures made for some of her fondest memories.
Mrs. Zielinski is survived by her daughter, Noreen Barry, son-in-law, David Barry, granddaughter Layne Barry; sisters Mary Kreczmer and Sharon Barrett (Stephen Coates), niece, Renee Kreczmer, and nephew, Barry Kreczmer (Heather). She is preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Zielinski.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL, where family will receive guests from 9:30 a.m. until the time of her Funeral at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Support Lymphoma Research. Arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral, Joliet. For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
