Geraldine Zeleny

Geraldine Hale Zeleny passed away to be with the Lord March 31, 2012. A memorial service will be held May 31, 2012 at 1:00 PM, at Good Samaritan Village Chapel. Geraldine Hale Zeleny was born February 6, 1916 to parents Norman and Edith Hale in Big Timber, Montana. After graduating from high school, she studied at the Wolff School of Costume Designing in Los Angeles with honors. Later at the Art Institute of Pittsburg she had great success with her illustrations resulting in a one woman show. In 1940 she later married Arthur J. Zeleny from Big Timber, Montana. After WWII, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ. The couple operated a farm and meat packing plant for many years until his death in 1971, at which time she moved to Fort Collins, where she has lived for 41 years. Always interested in her family and friends, she kept close contact with them and remained active in the Tuesday Sketch Group. Geraldine exhibited in the Scottsdale Artists' League, and later was a member of the Fort Collins Poudre Valley Art League. She was a professional artist, having many group and one woman shows, winning awards in juried shows. In past years, she was represented by the Raven's Gallery, in Estes Park and Lloyd's Aartvark Gallery, in Ft. Collins. Her work is included in collections statewide and nationally. It was her special delight to be out in nature searching for the next subject for her landscape paintings. Her paintings documented a large area of Larimer County, CO. She was also extremely talented writing poetry and prose as a keen observer of life and the natural world, always interested in the world, and always learning. Until her ï¬?nal months, Geraldine used her Poudre River Public Library card on a weekly basis as she remained a life-long learner as long as it was possible. Geraldine was known for her keen intellect, interest in the world, wit, ready smile, love of family and friends, and compassion for others. She is missed and her memory is cherished by family and friends. Survivors include her son, Ronald (Tara) Zeleny of Ft. Collins, CO, her daughter Patricia (Paul)Thompson of Ormond Beach, FL, one brother Raymond Hale in Big Timber, MT, four grandchildren Tom (Gail) Zeleny, Polly (Luis) Garcia, Christine (Tom) Pixley, David (Melissa) Thompson, 5 great grandchildren, and cherished friends. She was predeceased by her parents, husband and a brother. The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Village, Dr. Roger Bermingham, and the Pathway Hospice staff and volunteers for their compassionate and comprehensive care. Memorial contributions in Geraldine's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association through Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Suite E, Fort Collins, Colorado   80524..