Andrea Zielinski

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Andrea was an only child whose family lost nearly everything during the Great Depression. From those hardships, she emerged as a brilliant young woman with three great passions: music, science, and cooking.

In the fall of 1950, she enrolled at the College of St. Theresa in Minnesota, where her curiosity and love of discovery led her to major in physics. The following summer, while working as a receptionist at a radio station, her lifelong love of music and entertainment was rekindled. Faced with a life-changing decision-whether to continue her studies in physics or pursue her childhood dream of becoming a professional singer-Andrea followed her heart. She left college to devote herself to music, her first and greatest love.

With her radio appearances and recordings of her own songs, Andrea's performing career soon gained momentum, leading to engagements at private events and small venues. Her repertoire featured opera and traditional folk songs, especially those of her Hungarian heritage. Her passion for opera eventually led her to audition for and join the inaugural chorus of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It was there she met the love of her life, Adolphe Zielinski. Together, they shared the stage with close friends, performing in operas throughout Chicago and across the country.

Andrea's life changed with the birth of her first son, Dolph, followed four years later by her second son, Andre. Her days of touring came to an end, but her gift for balancing multiple roles flourished. While raising her two boys, she stayed true to her own passions while she managed the household, helped run her husband's insurance agency( and other home-based businesses), promoted new food products in local supermarkets, and continued singing with the Lyric Opera chorus.

It was during her years as a wife and mother that Andrea's passion for cooking truly blossomed. Her love of preparing homemade meals and experimenting with recipes made her a cherished presence in many social circles. Rooted in her Hungarian upbringing, her culinary skills expanded over time to embrace a wide variety of cuisines. A woman of many talents and endless curiosity, Andrea also enjoyed relaxing by her pool, tending her garden, and reading about current events and scientific discoveries. Her fascination with learning and innovation stayed with her throughout her life.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Andrea embraced new joys-playing Rummikub and bingo, painting, and nurturing friendships in Mount Prospect and Northlake. In her later years, she created an extensive collection of acrylic paintings and became an active member of her community, even helping to plan menus and meals for her fellow residents. Never afraid of challenges, Andrea continued to explore new interests and approached every stage of her life with grace, curiosity, and courage.

Above all, Andrea will be remembered most for her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her sons, Adolphe (Michele) and Andre (DeLynn); six grandchildren, Jacob, Leah, Ethan (Gabby), Morgan, Cole, and Isa; and three great-grandchildren, Mason, Hunter, and Wyatt.

Services for Andrea will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, Illinois, with visitation at 9:15 AM and Mass at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 18, followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Andrea's sister-in-law's convent: Holy Family of Nazareth Convent, 310 N. River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.