Margaret S. Zeilik

Zeilik, Margaret S.
Margaret Susan Zeilik, age 91, of Santa Fe, NM, and a long-time resident of Stratford and Bridgeport CT, passed away in loving care at Ponce de Leon, February 11, 2014.
Margaret was born on November 3, 1922 in Punxsutawney, PA, to Andrew Sabo and Barbara Palinkas. The family moved to Bridgeport, where her father established a butcher shop to support seven children. Her home was walking distance to Seaside Park; Margaret loved the water, sun, and swimming. She enjoyed music-played the piano-and danced! The 40s big-band sound propelled her to the dance floor. One evening she dated Michael Zeilik, who took her out for a steak dinner and dancing. They kept jitterbugging long after they were married at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport on July 6, 1944. Michael died in Santa Fe in November 2010. They enjoyed loving companionship for 66 years.
Margaret raised two children-Michael and Pamela. When the family moved into the house her husband built in Stratford, CT, she took the kids on frequent beach excursions, escorting them on public buses. When they grew older, she worked part-time cafeteria positions at Bunnell High School in Stratford. Later, she moved up to manage food services at Flood Middle School. The students delighted in her handing out extra milk and deserts.
Margaret's family honors her: her son Michael, of Santa Fe; daughter, Pamela Lobel, of Lynn, MA; grandsons Zachary Zeilik, Jeremy Zeilik, of Santa Fe, and Andrew Lobel; and his spouse, Julia, of Peabody, MA. They greatly appreciate Helen Chavez, Margaret's devoted caregiver. She and Margaret shared special jokes and toughness.
Margaret rests next to her Michael at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. She wrote in her diary: "I loved him so much and always."
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Wednesday, March 12, at 11:15 A.M. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at the Committal Shelter.