Glenice A. Zelina

Glenice A. Zelina, age 84, of Parma Heights, Ohio, passed away on April 5, 2026, in Parma, Ohio. She was born on April 14, 1941, in Lorain, Ohio where she began a life defined by faith, service and an unwavering commitment to others. Glenice was a graduate of Kent State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi Sorority. She dedicated her career to education, teaching mathematics and science to students in grades eight through twelve at Lorain schools as well as Lorain Catholic High School. To simply call her a teacher would be to miss how many people’s lives she touched. At Lorain Catholic, Glenice also served as a cheerleading advisor and coach, even using the pet pig dressed as a cheerleader. Beyond the classroom, her influence stretched far and wide; she built the gymnastics program at the Lorain Family YMCA from the ground up, taught swimming, coached and instructed drill for Slovak Catholic Sokols Group 5, served as a Sunday school teacher at Holy Trinity Church in Lorain, and was a devoted Eucharistic minister and junior high advisor. Her life was one of constant motion, always in service of others. Glenice’s greatest passion was helping—helping anyone in need, caring deeply for animals, and living her Christian values through action every single day. She was known for her generosity, kindness and steadfast faith. Whether supporting her church, her Sokols community, her students, or her family, she gave fully of herself. One moment that captures Glenice’s spirit perfectly was after her YMCA gymnastics team won a major meet. Determined to celebrate her team as promised, she worked relentlessly to open a bottle of champagne so each could have a sip. It was a small act that reflected something much bigger—her grit, her commitment, and her joy in lifting others up. She believed in bringing out the best in everyone, and she did so with heart and determination. Glenice is survived by her son, Kevin, her grandchildren, and many loving cousins, extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Terry, parents Joseph and Ethel (nee Porostovsky) Nocjar, and brother Delyvn. Visitation will be observed from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday April 10th in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Closing prayers will be offered there beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday April 11th. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (41295 North Ridge Rd. – Elyria Township). Reverend Neil G. Walters, Pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A meal and extended fellowship will take place in the funeral chapel immediately following the committal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local church or to one of the Slovak Catholic Sokols academic funds. Glenice believed deeply in being kind to all, and her final wish would be that you carry that forward in your own lives. That way you can help perpetuate her legacy in the countless lives you can support, teach, and inspire.

Glenice A. Zelina

April 14, 1941 - April 5, 2026