Elaine A. Zalewski

Elaine A. Zalewski of Shelocta, PA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at IRMC, at the age of 74. She was born on August 7, 1951, in Indiana, PA, and was raised in Homer City, PA, graduating from Homer Center Senior High School in 1969.

After working an office job at a local factory, she met and married Ed Zalewski on July 3, 1971, and enjoyed a loving 54-year marriage. There were no challenges they could not overcome together, and their genuine love was as strong to the end as it was in the beginning. In her whole life, Elaine never met anyone whom she wouldn't consider a friend. She always looked at the good in people and was loved by everyone who knew her. She also had a love for pets. So much so that she started a pet grooming business in 1999, which she and Ed expanded into a pet boarding and grooming business, Animal House Kennel. This fulfilled their dream of working together and being together seven days a week.

Even with her business responsibilities, Elaine remained a devoted housewife. She loved family get-togethers, birthday parties, holiday dinners, and any celebration that would bring her family together. She also made time for fitness classes at the YMCA, where she made new friends. Being a devout Catholic throughout her childhood and adult life, she attended St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer City, the same church where she and Ed were married. Among all her responsibilities, she somehow found time to read her favorite novels, which she found enjoyable and relaxing.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Agnes Baran.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ed. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Michelle Roth (husband Joe), Indiana, PA, Katherine Martin (husband Derek), Halifax, Mass., Lisa Zalewski, Shelocta, PA and son Edmund (Eddie) Zalewski, Shelocta, PA, her grandchildren Andrew, Teresa, Emma, Kip, Danielle, Jesse, Brodric, Erik, and Max, her step-grandchildren Derek Jr. and Kerri, and her step-great grandchildren Tony, Braiden, and Aria, her brother Michael Baran (wife Linda), Homer City, PA and sister Mary Ann Baran, Indiana, PA. Elaine also had many close relatives outside of her immediate family. She will be missed by all!

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 4606 Old US HWY 119 S., Homer City, PA 15748. A Panachida will be held on Thursday at 9:15 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial at Saint Mary’s Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer City, with Father Wesley M. Mash as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana, PA.