Sharon Jane Zelinko
Obituary
Sharon Jane Zelinko, 87, of Dundee, Florida passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.
Born June 3, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, Sharon was the daughter of the late Arthur Thomas and Mollie Maude (Pedigo) Cates.
She was a devout member of Calvary Baptist Church, Winter Haven, Florida for over 20 years.
Sharon was a loving wife and mother. She cast bread upon the water for Jesus Christ her entire life. She was a remarkable person, had eight children, served as a pastor’s wife, nurse, missionary wife and then as a nurse at Life Care Winter Haven for an additional 20 years until her retirement three years ago.
At the age of 71, she invented Gripsors medical bandage scissors to help nurses open IV lines.
On Mother’s Day, 2020 she published an autobiography, He Goeth Before.
She was a true servant of God and others. She never met a stranger and touched thousands of lives. It was a true privilege to know her. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her. She lived Galatians 2:20. She would want every person to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, trusting His gift of righteousness in exchange for your sins. He is a wonderful Savior and He was faithful to Sharon all the way Home.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, William Edward Zelinko, Sr.; a son, John Arthur Zelinko; six daughters: Susan Lynn Valerio (Eduardo), Lois Lee Williams (Arthur), Ruth Annette Blissett (Douglas), Carol Jane Schirr (Don), Kathleen Marie Lanier (Shelby), and Julie Janel Fuller (Bill); and a brother, John D. Cates (Loraine). Sharon has 22 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren…and counting.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, William Edward, Jr.; her twin brother, Thomas Arthur Cates; and two sisters, Charlotte Jean Burke and Maxine “Tudie” Wicke.
A Memorial Service for Sharon will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 3 P.M. at Calvary Baptist Church, 2101 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL 33884 with Pastor Tim Williams officiating.
Friends and family will be received at the church for a time of visitation from 2 P.M. until the start of the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church, Winter Haven, Florida.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
