Diane M. Zielonka

Diane Zielonka Obituary

Age 49, died August 30, 2007 following a courageous 13 year battle with cancer. Former Tyngsboro resident and New York native; Vice President of Commercial Lending at Citizens Bank, Woburn. Diane is survived by her loving family and many friends. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass in celebration of Diane's life on her Birthday, October 13, 2007 at 11 AM at St. Rita's Church, 158 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA 01851. Fay McCabe Funeral Home 105 Moore Street, Lowell, MA 978-459-9222

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Oct. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Diane Zielonka

14 Entries

Cerise Jalelian

January 22, 2008

Diane was diagnosed with her illness on the day before my wedding in September, 1994. It was a miserable rainy Friday afternoon, while all my wedding guests were in transit to Boston, she learned of her diagnosis in response to a few relatively minor ailments she had been experiencing for quite some time. I will never forget my mother inquiring "where's Diane" during the receiving line at my reception and then wondering throughout our honeymoon, why I did not hear from her before our wedding. Little did we know then what we soon learned afterwards...that Diane would face the biggest struggle that any of us ever hope to encounter in our lives...ever. Diane was a fighter and she was a diligent worker, with a work ethic to rival the strongest longshoreman. She worked through it all, for 13 years, and kept her dignity and devotion to others, for which I will always remember her. I am grateful for our friendship.

Sharon Jarnot

December 20, 2007

The first time I saw Diane, I was working part time at a beautiful horse dressage farm, Riverfront Farm in Concord, MA. She walked in the barn with her white horse named Maverick. True to his name, Maverick was a horse of a somewhat troubled past, fearful, jumpy, transferred from another barn to be trained in the fine art of dressage which is the guiding of a horse through a series of complex maneuvers by slight movements of the rider's hands, legs, and weight. Diane was true and loyal to Maverick and she would dress and saddle him with one cross tie, instead of two which is the norm as she didn’t want him to be fearful. She deftly maneuvered to work with him reassuring him through a soft constant voice and little treats. She was proud of every advancement he made whether it was on the crossties or in the ring, training. He was a horse of a spotted past but Diane loved him and trained him as best as she could.

Alas, Maverick was not meant to work in dressage, which is a sport that needs a horse with the proper build and a high level mindset to cooperate. I remember sitting with Diane in the ring as Kristen rode Maverick and she knew that the best thing for her, Kristen, and Maverick was to find him a new home and to then find a horse that was better suited to dressage. Diane, diligent, did find a home for Maverick seeing to it that the new owner did know about his idiosyncrasies and most of all loved him for the way that he was.

I was surprised at how quickly Diane found her new horse, Rachael, a black Hanoverian warm blood who she found with the help of Kristen. Rachael was a sight to behold. She is jet black, sweet in nature and she moved much like Mae West with ample hips telling us who she was when she walked into the ring. She was the perfect horse for Diane, confident and loving, and the timing could not have been better as though I knew that Diane was fighting cancer she was slowly beginning to talk about her chemotherapy treatments again. There is a saying in the horse world that you do not find the horse, the horse finds you. Diane's new horse did find her at exactly the right time.

The first thing to do was rename her horse. Rachael didn’t seem to fit. Diane renamed her Remarie, in honor of her late mother whose dark hair was much like Remarie’s mane. We called her Remi and everyone who saw Remi fell in love with her at once. Diane and Remi were a sight to behold. Remi, having a less spotted past was confident to be properly cross tied when she was getting saddled and dressed for her lesson. This made things easier for Diane who insisted being independent and loved dressing her except for at times carrying and lifting the saddle which was heavy. I would offer, she would accept. I was so happy to do it because I, like every single person in the barn, loved Diane.

Remi was by far and away the best dressed horse for her lessons with Kristen. Diane would arrive in her red jeep filled to the brim with snacks and horse paraphernalia. She would walk into the barn all dressed from her job at the bank. One day in particular, it was beautiful and sunny and Diane rounded the corner, beautiful and natural, in an elegant sheath dress, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy, the sun in the backdrop of her dark curly hair, and in that moment she looked so much like Audrey Hepburn, confident and beautiful, glad to be at the barn and ready for her lesson with Remi.

Diane took each lesson seriously and she had a carefully coordinated outfit for her and her horse Remi. Remi, poised, confident, and ready to give kisses and affection while getting saddled, looked good in every color especially orchid. If the outfit called for orchid, Remi would have orchid polos (which are long pieces of fleece which had to be individually wrapped around Remi’s legs to protect them through the lesson), Remi would also have an orchid saddle pad, and it was no accident that Diane would also be wearing an orchid jacket to match. We loved to wait for the different ensembles unfold for Diane and her horse. They truly made a magnificent pair.

Remi made greater strides in dressage than Maverick although if you had ever talked to Diane about her horses she would talk affectionately about them both. Diane beamed with pride about all of the advancements Remi had made and how easily she moved with grace. Later, Diane proudly displayed Remi’s ribbons she won at horse shows on Remi’s stall door. Remi elegant, round, and a bit of a tomboy at heart never gave anyone a hard time being led to the ring from the barn unless she had access to fresh luscious green grass.

I talk so much about Diane and her horse because if you ever knew Diane, you knew that she would always talk about you first, a rare and honorable quality, and she beamed when you asked about any one of her animals. How each pet each got a treat before bed, but she said “I never repeat the same sequence as to which pet should get the treat first, I love them all equally.” I envisioned bedtime with Diane and her pets, Diane speaking to the captive furry audience, each animal facing her conjuring up the most longing look so as to be the first one to get a treat.

I learned a lot about Diane by watching her around her horse and listening to stories about her cats and dog. And watch I did, wiping the same piece of wall in the barn, hoping that while adjusting from work to her lesson, she might want to have a conversation with me. Sometimes, she would be quiet relishing the one to one with her horse. Sometimes, another horse owner from the barn would talk to her about their problems in their job and Diane would patiently listen and advise. But oh when she spoke to me I was thrilled as she always made me feel smart, strong, and wanted. She would give you so much attention. She would overlook any criticisms you made about another person and instead she would focus on the issues. After a moment or two of silence, she would advise, artfully to emphasize the important pieces and then steering me in the right direction all the while making it sound as if I had known the answer all along. With both of us working in the business of sales, I loved anything she would say to me it was always the right direction; “I tell my people the answer is great customer service!” or “Sharon, you don’t want to be a reverse snob.” or “When you talk to these C level people, you don’t want to annoy them.” I know she would never take any credit for it but because of our conversations between the horses’ stalls, she gave me job advice I still use everyday.

The following are a few memories that are dearest to my heart about Diane at the barn.

I was new to the barn and I started taking photographs in the ring while Kristen was riding. Diane and a few friends were sitting on the sidelines watching. Diane, who didn’t know me very well at the time, stuck her head out and clearly told me “It looks like you’re going to take beautiful pictures.” I hadn’t even clicked the camera yet. I felt on top of the world.

We were all talking and meandering through the barn while Diane was dressing Remi for her lesson. After much talk, the conversation went spiritual and Diane clearly said “This is a great moment. We are all here together. Even now, we’ll never all be here like this moment.” We all knew that because Diane said it, it had weight to its meaning and we were all silent for a moment. Diane never spoke of suffering and death, only the here and now. I promised myself to remember that moment.

Kristen’s dad came to the barn and he and I stood talking in front of the doorway. It was another beautiful hot summery day. Diane slowly walks up to us and she stoops to pet Sugar the famously all white sassy and sweet Jack Russell terrier. As Diane petted Sugar, she looked up at both of us and she said “I used to have a little kitten who I found. I loved his attitude because he would wake up every morning and say “Today’s the day!”

Kristen was riding Remi in the outdoor ring. Diane, some others, and I sat watching Kristen trot with Remi. We were all quiet, just watching and listening to the sound and rhythm of Remi’s hooves on the soft ground. It was nearing the end of a warm spring day. We didn’t speak as we watched. Kristen was quiet in concentration. We watched Remi slowly but surely relaxing into a proper stride. We must have stayed quiet for quite some time just observing the air, the trees, the horse, the quiet, and then Ernie, the barn cat, slowly trots over to us, proud of her mouse she caught. Ernie just sat contentedly next to us, chewing on her prize. It was a rare, quiet and collective moment.

Diane also rode Remi in the outdoor ring under Kristen’s instruction. Remi would follow every cue, correct or incorrect. Diane, in the saddle, didn’t give her the right signal in time and Remi in her strong stride continued forward and knocked over this large pickle barrel full of carefully planted petunias. Diane loved recounting this story about Remi.

Diane, you have taught me so much and you have always given of yourself. I will work hard to remember everything you have told me as you always did with genuine care and love. You never complained once. You had a beautiful gift to make everyone feel special and important. You always made a point to express gratitude for anything I did for you and your horses. It was never a bother for me to give Remi a brush or a shower as she was to me a strong kindhearted soul and friend just like you. You have made a lasting impression on me and I will never forget you I’m sorry that your time here on this earth was so short but because of you and everything you stood for, this world is a better place.

I’m so happy I have had the honor to have known you.

Love, Sharon

gail

October 9, 2007

i work at citizens bank and i knew diane she was a wonderful person. i am so sorry to here of her passing away. i will pray for her. god bless diane and her family

September 16, 2007

I'll miss you forever Di! Love & Laughs forever... Cath

Marianne Spinney

September 15, 2007

I had the great pleasure of working along side Diane as a business partner. On a sales call the owner of the business came out to greet her with a hug that lifted her off her feet.That jesture spoke volumes to me about how she lived her life.She was a great leader by example. God rest her soul.

Ellen Doucette

September 14, 2007

I only knew Diane a very short time but felt that I had know her forever. She always care about others in way that stayed with you. Wondering if you were doing OK even when you can tell she was feeling poorly. I have never known anyone who was so committed to her role as she was. She was truly an inspiration. I can honestly say I feel very fortunate to have met her and will remember her forever.

Jean Nabstedt

September 14, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Diane several years ago. Diane had a great sense of humor and was just an overall nice and gunuine person. She used to tease me about not liking many fruits, in particular, oranges. For Christmas one year, Diane bought me a Cadbury chocolate flavored orange. I'm not sure why it stuck me as so funny and flattered me at the same time; I guess it was just her way of knowing people and the way she made you feel special.
My sincere condolences to Diane's family for your loss, only God knows your pain because he just received a tremendous gift. Take care and God bless.

Bill Rogers

September 13, 2007

My sincere condolences to Diane's family and friends. Diane was my banker at Citizens ...her kindness, sincerity and intelligent are only a few of the many compliments I could pay this wonderful person. Her bravery regarding her cancer is still astounding to me. I had my own medical challenges over the past few years and she displayed such empathy...even during her own struggle with cancer she sent cards and called to inquire about my condition. I will miss her very much

Wolf Jachimowicz

September 13, 2007

Let me tell you something about the way Diane treated her borrowers. She was fair, reasonable, balanced and evenhanded. And to say this about a banker is a rare compliment.

Patty Eustis

September 12, 2007

I worked with Diane for the past 3 years and will miss her very much. She was one of the strongest person I have ever known. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. I not only consider myself lucky to have worked with her, but I also consider myself lucky to call her my friend.

Marie Tada

September 12, 2007

Diane is so very much missed by her friends and neighbors in Tyngsboro. Diane has been an inspiration to many of us as she met her illness with a gratitude for life each day. Her love of animals and joyous, loving, giving nature will live long in those who have had the honor to know Diane. Our condolences to Diane's family on the passing of a most extraordinary woman.

Jim Silk

September 12, 2007

I extend my deep condolences to Diane's family.Through my daughters', Pat Kelley and Susan Silk,close friendship with Diane over her years in the Lowell area I have had Diane share many of our family holidays. A most gracious and generous lady. God Bless.

Dr. Beth Kress

September 11, 2007

My sincere condolences to Diane's loving family.I first met Diane at the Lowell Bank in 1986.She became a genuine friend.Diane, by far, has been the most courageous person that I have known.She fought a long and difficult battle and she will always be an inspiration.

Trish paskiewicz

September 11, 2007

I just want to send my sympathy to Diane's entire family on behalf of myself and my entire CVS Pharmacy team. Diane was such a great person and never ever in a bad mood despite all that she was dealing with. We will miss her dearly and will keep you all in our prayers.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results