Erika Zelenski

ZELENSKI

ERIKA (née Baumann), born March 29, 1921, in Vienna, Austria, died in Philadelphia on November 20, 2016, at age 95.
In 1939, at age 17, Erika arrived in Philadelphia, where she has lived for the subsequent 77 years. She was joined by her parents and brother, but lost many family members in the Holocaust.
Erika was well-read, meticulous, and insatiably curious. She loved clothes and fashion, and worked for several years in a Center City millinery shop, where she met her husband. She later worked for 24 years in the Finance Department of the City of Philadelphia, retiring in 1985.
Philadelphia's museums and theaters were a delight to Erika, who loved living in Center City. She walked everywhere, and knew Philadelphia like a native. At age 90 Erika was still riding the bus -- and she could always tell a taxi driver a better or faster way to get anywhere.
Erika was predeceased by her beloved parents, Nathan and Gusti Baumann; her brother, Henry Baumann; her husband Joseph Zelenski; her son, Steven Zelenski, and daughter-in-law, Jane Dobra Zelenski. Erika is survived by her grand-children, Alex Zelenski of Minneapolis MN, and Nicole Zelenski, of Philadelphia; step-grandson, Joel Meyer-England, and daughter-in-law, Tamara England-Zelenski, of Madison WI.
Erika in recent years had trouble pursuing her favorite activity -- reading. So whenever she was asked, "How's it going?" her characteristic reply was "Not too bad, but not too good." Still, she remained independent and active until the very end.
Interment will be at Greenwood Sholom Cemetery, San Diego. Donations may be made to Jewish Family Service of Philadelphia.
May she rest in peace.

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