Judith Ann (Marini) Zelezniak


Age 73, of Upper Saint Clair, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of Thursday, November 23, 2023. Judy was the beloved wife of nearly 50 years to Joseph J. "Joe" Zelezniak; loving mom of Lisa Fleissner and Jonathan Zelezniak; devoted Gaga of Nicholas Fleissner, River Zelezniak, and Rori Zelezniak; dear sister-in-law of Doreen Legge, Donna and Loren Burkett of Chicago, Barbara Zelezniak, and the late Jay Zelezniak and Reginald Legge; and cherished best friend of Candy Oakley. Judy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other loving family. She also leaves behind her adoring Yorkshire terrier, Kip. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Irene (Peschkor) Marini; stepfather Joseph B. Wojdyla; and mother- and father-in-law Margaret and Joseph “Whitey” Zelezniak.

Judy had a generous heart for giving of herself to benefit others, especially those who were unable to advocate for themselves. After graduating from Norwin High School in 1968, Judy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work. Throughout her career, she served as a devoted caseworker for adults with mental health/intellectual disabilities (MH/ID) at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. Judy’s dedication to her work inspired her daughter Lisa to also go into the mental health field. Perhaps service of others is partly what drew Judy to Joe, as Joe—and many of his family members—proudly served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Judy had a love for owls, giraffes, and especially Siamese cats. Over the course of her life, she had four Siamese cats—Caesar, Rocky, Kinko, and Kricket. All four cats have since passed on. The family can take some solace in knowing that Judy was eagerly greeted at Heaven’s Gates by their joyful meows.

Arrangements by BEINHAUER. Family and friends are welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317, 724-941-3211, on Tues. 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., and Wed. 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m., thereafter, a funeral service will be held Wed. 12:45 p.m. in the Beinhauer Chapel of Peace. Interment to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. To add and view tributes, please visit www.beinhauer.com.

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