Date of Birth: May 21, 1955
Date of Death: May 30, 2019
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Brenda Wynne Zelko announces her passing on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville. She was 64 years old.
Born May 21, 1955 in Eatonia, Brenda was the first child of Bill and Leona Leeks. She started elementary school in Calgary, later moving to Edmonton, where she completed high school at Jasper Place. Brenda attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she received her degree in dietary and became a dietetic technician. She did her practicum in the Yorkton hospital.
Brenda put her career on hold to raise her family, and after moving several times, they settled in Melville and soon called it home. When she was ready to return to the workforce, she began working at Rail City Industries, a place she loved; she worked there for 30 years.
Brenda had many hobbies such as bowling, ceramics, music, knitting and art, but above all, she valued spending time with her family and friends.
Brenda was one of the happiest people we knew; she had a big heart and was a very giving person. She was always someone you could count on to help out, whether you needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, or encouragement. She accepted people for who they were and never judged someone for being unique. She was truly a beautiful soul and was loved by all.
Brenda was predeceased by her dad, William “Bill” Leeks; and her mother-in-law, Margarete Zelko.
She will be remembered by her mother, Leona Leeks; her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Zelko; her children, Shondell (Shawn), Vicki (Brent) and Christopher (Rachel); her grandchildren, Kylee, Mackenzee, Jaager, Nathan and Piper; her brother, Rick (Linda); her sister, Donna (Doug); in-laws, Irma (Joe), Jimmy (Sheri), Ed (Shirley), Ottcar (Dorris) and Linda (Dennis); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends and family.
Brenda’s funeral service was held Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Melville, with the Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating. Scripture was read by Robin Zelko and Daniel Weiss, and the eulogy was presented by Vicki Waldbauer and Donna Weiss. The organist, Gaylene Matthews, led in the hymns, “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Drawn to the Light” and “Shine, Jesus, Shine”.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robert G. Combe V.C. Branch #61, Melville, performed the Legion Act of Remembrance and formed an honour guard. The urn bearer was Chris Molnar.
Interment will take place in the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Regina.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
