Zelma Strikis Zalit

Zelma Zalit 1920 ~ 2012 Zelma Zalit, known to her family as Vovozinha . . . which means little grandma in Portuguese, was born October of 1920 and passed away August 28, 2012 at the age of 92. She was most recently a resident of Taylorsville, Utah, formerly of Los Angeles, California, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Latvia. She was married for 70 years to Jacob Zalit, whom she knew for 90 years. Theirs was an extensively entwined and rich life, filled with shared experiences, love and no small amount of adventure. Both she and Jacob were born in Latvia and traveled as infants with their family and a group of Latvian refugees to Brazil and settled in the Latvian created village of Varpa, in the state of Sao Paulo. As adults they moved to the city of Rio Claro where they established a thriving photography business. They eventually made their way to the United States as a family, with their son, via steamer ship, settling for over 40 years in Los Angeles, California. Zelma spoke Latvian, Portuguese and English and was talented in handiwork including beautiful crocheted afghans, baby blankets, shawls and other pieces of clothing for friends and family. She loved to read and did so up until her passing. She loved cooking delicious feasts and meals for her family and was beloved by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew her. She sang songs as she worked and played, and loved to listen to the church choir. She was an avid gardener and had beautiful roses and geraniums which she tended in her garden. She had a spunky, funny sense of humor and kept Jacob on his toes. She is preceded in death by her only son, Frederico Zalit. She is survived by her husband, Jacob Zalit; daughter-in-law, Diane Zalit; grandchildren: Tracy and Jerel Davidson; Daniel and Lauren Zalit; Andrew and Loya Zalit; Grace and Travis Jemmett; David and Kelly Zalit; Peter and Carrie Zalit; great-grandchildren: Elayna, Kyla, Avery, Evan, Lorelai, Harrison, Isaac, Lily, Calvin, Amelia, Lucas, Kathryn and Zoe; as well as many loving friends and family members throughout the United States, Latvia and Brazil. Thank you, Vovozinha, for your love, your laughter, your humor, your counsel, and for your example. You are sorely missed and deeply loved. God be with you Hobbies:Crocheting, cooking, singing and gardeningOccupation:Secretary