Nettie C Zielinski

Nettie Zielinski, 97, of Iselin, New Jersey, passed away on April 20, 2026.

Nettie was born on March 2, 1929, to Polish and Russian immigrant parents and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She was the eldest of three sisters and was predeceased by Helen and Olga.

She had a long career as a bookkeeper at Chase and Berg taking great pride in her work. After a brief retirement, Nettie returned to work and was a loyal employee at Skip Tracing Inc., continuing to work well into her 80s.

Nettie remained active and independent well into her later years. She attended fitness classes and continued driving into her 80s and 90s. Those around her often remarked on her strength, intellect, and spirit. She was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles, sudoku, playing solitaire on her iPad, and using her phone and computer to watch videos and find new recipes, continuing these activities until her death.

Nettie was a longtime member of Saint Cecilia Church in Iselin. Her faith was a steady and foundational part of her life, and she gave regularly to charitable causes.

She is survived by her children: Christine Canavera (and her husband, Art Canavera); Diane Zielinski; Annette Hutchings (and her late husband, Dan Hutchings); and Ken Zielinski (and his wife, Mona Zielinski). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren—Kimberly Gialdini, Cindy Crannell, Tammy Lifka, Drew Canavera, Ryan McCullough, Kelly Dippenaar, and Cate Zielinski—and by her eight great‑grandchildren—Lindsay Lifka, Tyler Lifka, Nathan Lifka, Shane Gialdini, Kate Crannell, Lauren Crannell, Carson Dippenaar, and Owen Dippenaar. She found great joy in watching her family grow and in staying closely connected to their lives, with many living throughout the United States and abroad.

Nettie lived a long life and will be remembered fondly by those who knew her for her kindness, strength, and perseverance.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
— John 14:27

In lieu of trees, please consider making a donation in Nettie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.