In Memory
Sharon Jeanne (Jelinski) Zanka
January 13, 1949 ~ May 28, 2026 (age 77)
Sharon Jeanne Jelinski Zanka, “Queen Sharon,” went home to her loving Father in Heaven.
Sharon grew up in South Bend, graduated LaSalle High School, married and became a mother - one of her greatest joys in life. She spent her life active in the community as a member of Holy Trinity Church, and being there for her family. She retired at 65. Sharon went how she lived - in her own time, when she wanted and where she wanted. She passed at home peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, holding her granddaughters hand. Her family was her heart, being a mother and a grandmother was her greatest joy in life. You would often hear her say that she was born to be a grandma, and she lived up to that a hundred times over. She spent her later years in life adoring her grandchildren. Trips to the zoo, picnics, going out to eat, shopping, playing games in her backyard, and having fun. She went above and beyond to support her grandchildren and shower them with love. She loved hosting holidays and being surrounded by her family. She enjoyed festivals and hours of talking with her best-friend of 60 years, Diane. She was a grandma, confidant, care-taker, love-giver, a shoulder and an ear, and best-friend all in one. With a heart of gold, she always made sure to be there for her loved ones. Her legacy is that of deep, unconditional love, unmatched strength, determination, kindness, loyalty and the ability to find a reason to laugh and smile even in the hardest of times. One thing a person could be certain of was she was going to show up, whenever, wherever or however. You could always count on her being there to support and love you. We will carry that love with us forever. “Pleasant dreams, sleep tight.”
“Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.”
– Psalm 24
“Lord, we place our beloved grandmother into Your gentle hands. Thank You for the beautiful gift of her life, her laughter, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. May her soul find rest in Your eternal embrace, and may her memory continue to bring us strength and comfort. Amen.”
She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Lori (Tim) Shively and Lisa (Henry) Brunner; grandchildren, Gabrielle (Jesus) Brunner, Kirsten Brunner, Kassy (Craig) Brunner, Arielle Brunner, Cameron Shively, and Cole Shively; great-grandchildren, Adrian, Isabel, and Celeste; honorary grandchildren, Anthony, April, Mason, Connor, and Elijah; her best friend, Diane (Bob) Melady; her brother, Dave Jelinski; her brother-in-law, Dan Zanka; and her beloved dogs, Tucker, Nuisance, and Nugget.
She joins our Father in Heaven with her great-granddaughter, Mia Brunner; her parents, Richard and Evelyn Jelinski; her Nana; and her stepmother, Lucile.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care or to a nonprofit organization supporting dementia research and care.
06/05/2026 EJS
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