On April 25, the good Lord called Shaina Zelazo home, she was in Clovis Community Hospital surrounded by family and friends. After a nearly three year long battle with cancer, she is now made new and no longer suffering.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 30 years, DJ Zelazo, as well as her three children: Russell, Trinity and Caleb Zelazo.
If you had the pleasure of knowing her, there’d be no objection when I say she had a bright and magnetic light that paired with an ernest and kind heart. Her beautiful personality touched the lives of many through her numerous passions and her desire to inspire change in the community.
During the last 25 years she has coached numerous youth sports programs in both Mariposa and Oakhurst for cross country, track and field, soccer and swim. She was an avid athlete who thrived in competition; on the day of her cancer diagnosis she had just completed a 50K ultramarathon. Above all she was a loving mother, not only to her own children but also to those she coached.
This woman was by far the strongest, and most determined being, I have ever known. Not only did she possess this fiery fierceness, she was also a gentle soul that craved quiet. Some of my favorite moments spent with her are in the garden — soaking up the sun, breathing in the scent of soil and having our bare feet in the dirt.
She loved spending time in the backcountry, being in nature and surrounding herself in God’s creation. Her curious nature inspired a quenchless thirst for knowledge in me — every plant, tree, bird, mountain and river is a wonder.
While it feels certain she was taken too soon; she had many dreams and plans left unfulfilled, God’s timing is not ours. Those privileged to know her, as well as those blessed to love and be loved by her, will carry her in their hearts for the rest of their lives. I hope that one day my spirit and strength of character will be as bright and beautiful as hers.
Her Celebration of Life will be held on June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Ponderosa Basin Chapel in Mariposa. Flowers may be sent to Ponderosa Basin Chapel.
Responses (0)