Barbara A. (Coppedge) Zelko

Barbara A. Zelko (nee Coppedge), age 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Barbara is survived by her children, John Jr. (Karen) and Pat (Dr. Laurel Carney-Zelko) Zelko; daughter-in-law, Jill (the late Joseph) Zelko; grandchildren, Jennifer (Sara Olson), John III (Kristina) and Trent (Ryan Togliatti) Zelko, Patrick, Heather and Brighid Zelko, Kayla Zelko and Casey (Thomas) Mahon; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Helene (Leonard) Seltzer, Justine McNeil, Christine (the late Richard) Sweedler, Colleen (Jim) Franke-Perkins; sisters-in-law, Jan (the late Everett) Coppedge, Sally (the late Charles) Franke and Lillian (the late Louis) Korilko; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, John Zelko Sr. (2010); parents, Edward and Helen (nee Harms) Coppedge; step-father, James Franke; son, Joseph Zelko; siblings, Jessie (James) White, Marion (Chuck) Sweedler, Gerald Franke, Everett “Bud” Coppedge and Charles Franke.

Barbara had big heart filled with love. She dedicated her life to caring for others. Her volunteer work and work as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years will never be forgotten. Barbara’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved spending time with her family and loved being on the water fishing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice) would be appreciated.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Face coverings are required.