Michelle M. Zilka, 49, Enjoyed restoring Victorian homes

She was born July 19, 1954 in Bay Village and was raised in Westlake before moving to Akron 29 years ago. She was a 1972 graduate of Westlake High School and a 1977 graduate of Kent State University where she majored in physiology.

While at Kent, she was involved an s a cheerleader was a member of Chipperettes, an ice skating drill team; and was an accomplished gymnast. She attained the rank of Major in the US Army Reserve and was called to active duty several times including Operation Desert Storm and also special assignments in medical supplies. Michelle held various positions in the insurance industry. She was a member of Holy Trinity, Avon and played harp for St. Bernard’s Church of Akron. She was an ice skating instructor and established gymnastic program for inner city children through Akron University. During the last 10 years she took a special interest in Akron’s homeless population. She enjoyed restoring her Victoria home in inner city Akron.

Mr. Zilka is survived by her mother, Genevieve (Chronowski) of Westlake; a sister, Marilyn Zilka of Westlake, and two brothers, Paul Zilka (Dina) of Atlanta, GA and Dan Zilka of Hackerttstown, New Jersey; and two nieces, Danielle and Jenny. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Zilka, Sr.

Friends may call at the BUSCH-BURMEISTER FAMILY CHAPEL, 32000 Detroit Rd. Avon from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday. Prayer Services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, December 31 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Rd. Avon at 10:30 a.m. Fr. John Misenko, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Memorials may be forwarded to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106-2204.