Brenda “BJ” Zielinski was born on July 14, 1943, and passed away on April 8, 2026. BJ was the daughter of George and Dorothy (Piotrowski) Zielinski of Chicago. She found a new home and family in Taylorville in 1993.

BJ was an active and energetic member of the CCMHA CILA home and workshop. She created warm feelings and love for every person she met along the way. BJ’s laugh was infectious, and she especially enjoyed anything the color of red, purple, and green. She was the biggest Beatles fan ever. Her birthday and Christmas were a joyous occasion, and she celebrated with her friends every year. She lived every day to experience joy and laughter. BJ’s friends made her life a daily celebration and she rarely met a stranger. She was known for always saying “I love you, God Bless You” and collecting $5 bills.

Later in life, she discovered she had an entire family and that completed her life’s journey. In 2017, she found her last home with Susan Eckhoff and together they traveled to visit family and experience new adventures. BJ’s life came filled with family phone calls, visits, and gifts, although the biggest gift she received was their presence in her life.

She is survived by her nieces, Kim, Lori, Bobbie, her sister-in-law, Joan, and their family members, as well as her caregiver, Susan Eckhoff. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert.

BJ will be laid to rest next to her brother in Nebraska at a later date.

BJ’s family wishes to thank all of those who visited, called, and cared for her throughout her life. Special thanks are extended to Memorial Medical Hospice.