Jesselyn Benson Zurik

Sam, Melanie, Jetty, Richard, we are saddened by the loss of your wonderful mother. Her presence and her art enriched us all. Sylvia and George Sterne

Jetty and Richard,
I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I never met her but I felt like I knew her through her art. After my first visit to your dad's office in the house on Prytania I commented to my mother about all the art on the walls. My mother explained that it was done by Dr. Zurik's wife whom she had known slightly at Newcomb. She spoke further about your mother's success as an artist. When I visited that office I hoped to be placed in a different patient room so I could look at the art on the walls. I was fascinated. I regret that I never met her.
My condolences to you and your family.
Cindy Krobert Frutos

Jesselyn was incredibly interested in just about everything life had to offer and she has a great laugh, a warm embrace, tremendous talent and kindness. Her art was full of grace and expression of the human spirit for seeing beauty where others might only find the mundane. And, she was definitely an advocate for women doing what they could and should... and Sam supported her in that. I loved knowing her and I thank Newcomb College and the Art School for that.

Jetty,I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. What a lovely, classy, vibrant person. Always so pleasant to me and just seemed so welcoming.
How I enjoyed all the time I spent at your house playing growing up and your Mother never seemed to mind my being over so much.
It's so difficult now without both your loving parents but at least they are together again.
I hope your wonderul memories of them can help you through this painful time. Love, Nancy

To the Family: My Grandmother -- Clair Renaudin -- was a close friend of Jesselyn Zurik. My mother -- Jetty Donaldson -- was named after her. My daughter -- Jesselyn Donaldson -- was named after my mother. Thanks for being the inspiration.

We were sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Although it has been many years since I had see her, I remember her as a woman as vibrant as her art. I admired the variety and creativity of her work. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sorrowful time.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mrs. Zurik was such a "class act". She enriched everyone she encountered. She lives on in each of you.

Helen Ruiz (New Orleans, LA)

We are so very sorry to learn of the death of your dear mother and extend to you our deepest sympathy. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Love to all,

Dennis and Pam Waldron

To Jesselyns family I loved visiting her home and studio. We often talked about exotic places. I lover her usbek head peiece she used to heva on a table in her living room. She gave me one of her drawing s of the hat blocks that I recall w ere her fathers. WE both liked hats and color. I was so lucky to know her and your dad. She will improve heaven- you'll see. With love, Pat Jessee, now in Bristol. VA

Dear Sam, Jetty and family.

Our condolences go out to you. The Douglass family was very bless to have lived next door to the Benson/Zurik families for 53 years. You were such great neighbors.

Justin D. Douglass, Jr.

Dear Zurik family, my thoughts are with you. You have my
deepest heartfelt sympathy.

Love, Mimi Shlenker

To Jesselyn's Family:

Jesselyn's great spirit and beautiful smile will stay in my memory. The most optimistic artist I knew, she never stopped pushing forward despite the frequent ups and downs of the art world. I have two treasured drawings from her one-woman show in my gallery, an event that I well remember.

Peace and love to all,

Michael Ledet (Hammond, LA)

We are so saddened by this loss. What a wonderful lady whose contributions to her family and this community will be sorely missed.
Sorry we could not be with the family but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dear Jetty, My sympathy to you and yours. Love, Lisa C.(M8 @ Touro)

Dear Jetty, Your mother was truly inspirational for others. What a lovely lady. Our sympathy extends to all in your family.
Mathilde and Jimmy Nelson

Dear Sam and Jetty, Everett and I were so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. What a wonderful, kind, intelligent, & accomplished lady! Please give our love and sincere sympathy to all in your family. With love, Michele & Everett

IRWIN AND I SEND OUR THOUGHTS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. ANGELA HILL

Dear Sam
We are so sorry to hear about your Mother's death. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Susan and Harry Gilbert

Dear Sam and Jetty,
Sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of you mother.I think of you often, especially during this difficult time. Besa

Dear Sam,
Sorry for the loss of your mother. Please accept my sympathy. Take care and God Bless, David

Richard:

My condolences to you, your wife and family.

Dearest David and Family,

My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Grandmother, she was an extraordinary woman who contributed so much in her most interesting life.

Love,

Dr. Spector and Jetty:

So sorry to hear about your Mother - in - law. She lived a very fullfilled life and to the fullest.
David and I will keep you in our prayers

Ronni, David and Christopher Laux

Mrs. Zurik was always a mentor, a smiling "Art" friend and an incredibly kind "Mother" to me. I am grateful to have known her throughout my life - especially through our Newcomb Art activities. She will forever be in my heart.
With Love, Candy Ulmer Cranch

sam and family, our sincerest sympathy and condolences on your loss.

Sam, So sorry to hear about your mother. You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers

Phil B. & everyone at Sonitrol

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Dr.Evita Currie and Staff