Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Verna Zelaney Obituary
Verna Engel Zelaney was born in 1933 in Phila., Pa and grew up in Cheltenham, Pa. She was a 1951 graduate of Cheltenham High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Temple University and did post graduate work in music at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ.
She began her teaching career as an Elementary Music teacher in the Cheltenham Township Schools for 7 years and then for 25 years in the Delran Township Schools as an Elementary and Middle school teacher and as the High School Choral Director. She also taught music for 5 years at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson, NJ.
She was Choir Director at Church of the Holy Name from its founding in 1975 until 1990. She was also organist at Resurrection Parish (Holy Name and St. Casimir's Churches) and became the Music Director at Jesus the Good Shepherd (St Peter's and St Joseph's Churches) in 2014,
She was a member of the American Guild of Organists, Association of National Pastoral Musicians, Alumni Board of the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance, Diocese of Trenton Festival Choir, The Greater South Jersey Chorus, and Burlington Entertainers.
She is survived by daughter Karen Zelaney of Palmyra NJ. She is also survived by her sister Roberta (Bain) Malone of Akron, Ohio; brother: Clarence (Corky and Joanne) Engel of Laporte, Pa; nieces: Candice and Kyndra Malone, Amie (Andrew) Germain; nephew: Wade Malone, and two great nieces and two great nephews. She was predeceased by her son David Zelaney.
Services will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Verna Zelaney
Raymond P. Gardner
June 14, 2021
Karen: As days and weeks pass, and you return to life's routine, may you continue to be comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mike Zaun
April 23, 2021
Ms. Zelaney was a special person. She helped me gain confidence as a singer, as a performer and as a person. I started smoking cigarettes my sophomore year of high school and during a private lesson she asked if I had been smoking and of course I lied and said no. She then said my breath control was regressing and if I didn’t stop my ability to sing would suffer. This hit me hard because singing was one of the few things I excelled at (due greatly to her guidance) so I stopped smoking. Thank you Verna for that life lesson and many more.
Chris Jewell
April 23, 2021
From time time I began school in Delran I have always known Mrs. Zelaney. She was my music teacher throughout my schooling (from k-12) and was ALWAYS so encouraging to anyone with an interest in music. She will be greatly missed.
Jennel (Morris) Rodriguez
April 23, 2021
My most sincere and deepest condolences to the family. Ms. Zelaney was my middle school choir teacher. I ran into her a few times when I got older and after reminding her who I was (lol), I informed her that I sang professionally, and with her infectious smile, she told me that she was proud that I was still singing. Thank you Ms. Zelaney.
Rest in Paradise sweet lady.
Jennel (Morris) Rodriguez
April 23, 2021
My most sincere and deepest condolences. Ms. Zelaney was my
choir teacher in middle school. She was always a joy to run into as I got older and I would remind her who I was and with her infectious smile, she would tell me she was proud that I continued singing. Rest in Paradise sweet lady.
Tom OConnor
April 23, 2021
She was my elementary music teacher and was a very good teacher with kindness. After, I would see her at Holy Name and there was always a broad smile and a hello. May she rest in peace and may her family and friends in time remember the love and good times of an incredible life.
DeAnn Marino Solomon
April 23, 2021
She was a wonderful woman and one of my favorite teachers. Rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Verna Zelaney's name
Memorial Events
for Verna Zelaney
How to support Verna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Verna Zelaney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
