Jurate Zelba

Jurate Stase "Stella" Zelba passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, at the age of 82. A beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend, Jurate lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and deep devotion to her family and heritage.

Born on November 16, 1942, in Laukuva, Lithuania, Jurate was the cherished daughter of Simonas and Elena (Tallat-Kelpsaite) Zelba. Her early years were shaped by the upheaval of World War II. As an infant, she and her parents fled war-torn Lithuania and spent five years in a German refugee camp before making a long journey by ship to the United States. The family eventually settled in Chicago, where Jurate began to build a new life rooted in community and tradition.

She attended Nativity B.V.M. Grade School and later Maria High School in Chicago. It was during these formative years that she met lifelong friends and began to express the style and confidence that would become her signature, marked by her chic haircut, long nails, and warm presence that drew others close.

Jurate embraced her Lithuanian heritage with pride. Following in the footsteps of the Tallat-Kelpsa family, she was active in Lithuanian Scouts and Akademikai, traditions she lovingly passed on to her daughters. She married Edmund Zigaitis and together they shared 15 years of marriage while raising two daughters, Rasa and Rima. On July 4, 1976 on America's Bicentennial, Jurate and her mother became proud citizens of the United States, a milestone that reflected both their resilience and their gratitude for the life they had built in their new home.

A dedicated entrepreneur and businesswoman, Jurate owned and operated The Paper House in Wheaton, Illinois for two decades. Her gift store became a welcoming space where her eye for beauty and gracious spirit made every customer feel like family. Later in life, she worked as a receptionist at Huron Consulting, retiring at the age of 75 with the same grace and professionalism she brought to all her endeavors.

Jurate's creativity knew no bounds. Her hands were rarely still. She found joy in cooking hearty meals often flavored with garlic, mushrooms, bacon and butter; tending to her garden; shaping clay into pottery; sewing; making jewelry; drawing; knitting; and dancing with elegance. Her home was always open to friends and family alike-a place where warmth radiated from every corner.

She will be remembered for her humor, loving nature, impeccable style, bright smile, and shining green eyes. Through friendship as much as through family ties, she built a community grounded in kindness and connection.

Jurate's greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Rasa (Joseph) Wise and Rima Zigaitis; and by her treasured grandchildren Daiva and Harry Wise. She also leaves behind cousins Rimtis (Maryte) Tallat-Kelpsa with their children Audra (Mike) Scovil and Ruta Tallat-Kelpsa; and Dalia Urbutis. She was preceded in death by her parents Simonas and Elena Zelba and cousin Janine Tallat-Kelpsa Prapuolenis.

Jurate Stase Zelba will be remembered for her creativity, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on September 13, 2025, at Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis Lithuanian Catholic Mission (Lithuanian World Center) 14911 E 127th St., Lemont, IL 60439. Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 am, followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m.

To attend Mass virtually: https://youtube.com/live/Y1ObCY8ROQY?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sunlight Children's Aid to help children of need in Lithuania (go to https://sunlightchildrensaid.org/ and select Donate, in comments "Zelba".)