Elizabeth Zanko

Zanko, Elizabeth A. "Betty"
Age 67, of North Hudson, WI, formerly of Mahtomedi and Duluth, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2015 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Preceded in death by parents, Jerry and Mary Zanko; and former husband, David Mell. Loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be sadly missed by daughters Amy (Mark) Molepske, Jennifer (Michael) LaMontagna and Laura (Pedja) Bjelogrlic; grandchildren Nikola, Marko and Ava; sister Mary Olson; brothers Jerome "Sam" (Carolyn), Tony (Pat) and Larry (Greta) Zanko; many nieces, nephews, dear relatives and friends.

Betty grew up in the Raleigh Street area of West Duluth, enjoying fun-filled years building lifelong friendships at Irving, West Junior, and her beloved Denfeld High School. She cheered at many games leading into a lifetime of cheering for her daughters' activities in Mahtomedi and Golden Gopher sports. She was known as Betty Crocker and Martha Stewart for her culinary, gardening, and entertaining skills. Betty's love for gardening extended beyond her own home, working at Bachman's for ten years, making numerous friends along the way. Pool parties in Hudson became a summer celebration for friends and family. Her energy and positive spirit helped her fight her cancer diagnosis for ten long months. She did this with grace and love for us all. Betty was blessed to see the birth of two more grandchildren during this time. She enjoyed the holidays with her family and friends at home, exactly how she wanted it to be.

Service Monday, 12:00 P.M. at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Hwy 36 and Co Rd 5), Stillwater. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Tuesday, 12:00 P.M. at Oneota Cemetery, Duluth.

Memorials are preferred to University of MN Landscape Arboretum or Como Park Conservatory.