Josephine S. Zalieckas, 98, of Worcester passed away, surrounded by her family on Friday, November 24, 2017 in UMass Memorial Healthcare on Belmont St. Her husband of forty-nine years, Joseph A. Zalieckas died in 1997. She is survived by her children, Anthony Zalieckas and his wife Terese of Shrewsbury, Patricia Trudell and her husband Charles of Worcester, James Zalieckas and Nancy Gordon of Rochdale, Nancy Lucier of Wilton, NH, her devoted caregivers with whom she lived, Joseph V. Zalieckas and Linda Zalieckas, both of Worcester. She also leaves grandchildren, Charles Trudell and his wife Tanya of Holden, Dr. Jill Zalieckas and her husband Dr. Jason Hall of Lincoln, Jeff Zalieckas and his wife Sara of Grafton, Keith Trudell and Stacy of West Brookfield, Cheryl Zalieckas and her fiancée Jeff of Baltimore , MD, Lyle Lucier of Wilton, NH, Jimmy Zalieckas of Worcester, Melissa Lucier and Joel of New York, NY, Rachel Gordon and David Pottles, Lori Allen and her husband Bruce; great grandchildren, Kyra , Sofia, Tyler, Seth, Abby , Elliot and Miranda; brother Vincent Zigmont and his wife Zina of Millbury; sisters, Ann Godek of Holden, Susan Moynagh of Worcester, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Helen Zigmont. Josephine was born in Worcester a daughter of Vincent and Zuzana (Janauskas) Zigmont.
Being the oldest of her siblings, she had to leave school after the 8th grade to help her parents. The nuns helped her find her first job as a housekeeper. She had various jobs through the years, retiring from the former “Mart” to care for her grandchildren. Although she did not finish her education, she was the smartest and strongest woman from all she learned and endured through her life. Josephine was an excellent cook and baker. She also crocheted many afghans and decorations for friends and family. A lifetime member of the former St. Casimir’s Church and recently , St. John Church, she was a member of the Mother’s guild of St. Casimir School and a former member of the Lithuanian American Women’s Alliance. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother through her daily rosary (with Mother Angelica) and a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was very kind, giving and loving person who always put her children, grandchildren and family first. Even though she became disabled due to severe rheumatoid arthritis and macular degeneration, she continued to live each day to the fullest. Her perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank all the doctors and specialists who cared for her. The family would like to also thank the nurses who attended to her in her final days for their kindness to Josephine.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, with a Mass at 10:30 A.M. in St. John Church, 40 Temple St. Burial with follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Monday November 27, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to EWTN at Eternal Word Television Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL, 35210 or the Arthritis Foundation National Office, 1355 Peachtree St NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.
