Irene Zelnick

Irene Zelnick died peacefully on Friday Dec 13, 2024, almost reaching her 97th birthday on January 15. She was born in New York City, and then moved to White Meadow Lake, NJ with her husband Hank (z”l) where they raised their family and lived for 62 years. After retiring, she and Hank (z”l) split their time between New Jersey and Boca Raton, FL. She moved to Boston in 2020, moving into an independent living facility called Waterstone, to be near her family.

She married Hank Zelnick in 1948 and had two sons Larry and Bob (z”l). After raising her sons, she joined her husband’s video security business. She was invaluable in so many areas including management and accounting. She and Hank were longtime active members in White Meadow Temple, now known as Or Hadash. They had a lifelong friendship with Rabbi Weitman and his wife Pearl. Irene worked in the Temple nursery school for several years before entering the family business. White Meadow Temple was always central to Hank’s and Irene’s lives.

Her beloved Hank (z”l) died in 2007. Tragically, she lost her son Bob (z”l) to cancer in 2010. Family has always been so important to Irene and she followed her son and two of her grandsons to Boston when they moved there. She was always happiest surrounded by family and friends. She was very active in the Waterstone community where she resided her last 5 years. She made new, strong friendships, participated in the book club and organized her table for dinner every night. She was often called upon to welcome incoming residents to the community.

Irene was a central figure to so many and will be dearly missed.

Irene was mother to Lawrence (Keren) and Robert (Mickey), Grandmother to Ben (Liz), Jake , (Lauren) and Andrew (Chelsea) and Great Grandmother to Desmond, Judah, Jonah, Nolan, Grayson, and Luca.

The family will be receiving guests for Irene on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in New Mount Zion Cemetery, 153 Orient Way, Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071.