Lorraine "Lorry" Zelenkov

Lorraine (Lorry) Zelenkov, born Lorraine Leaming on September 20th, 1952, passed away peacefully on the 21st of August at her home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, with her family at her side.

Lorry grew up in Utah and is the daughter of James Fletcher and Carol Leaming of Pleasant Grove.  In 1987, she married Paul Zelenkov, an accomplished outdoorsman, engineer and physician, who became her lifelong adventure companion. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1989 with her master’s degree in social work. Known and loved as Lorry by all, she lived a life of quiet determination. A life of unreserved care and loyalty as a daughter, aunt, sister, mother and spouse. 

Lorry was kind and thoughtful to her core, her passions were selfless service to others, raising her family, river running, gardening, and baking.  Lorry was the meticulous planner and organizer behind multiple river trips in the Grand Canyon, the Yampa, the San Juan and, for her own wedding river trip, the Gates of Lodore.  Her skills applied equally to other tasks of joy, planning adventures spanning the globe, and navigating life. 

She focused on those around her and was always a good  listener. She had a gift for connecting with people in a loving and genuine way. Her fondness for others extended to all creatures, especially her furry loved ones, her welsh terrier dogs, and even the rogue spider or cricket she would carefully catch and let outside. She also had a competitive spirit, mostly as a fierce cribbage player, that she played with her closest family and friends.

Lorry is survived by her husband, Paul, her sister, LouAnn Hofmann, daughters, Jane (Luke Avery) and Claire (Chris Rundell), and three grandchildren (Miri, Fletch and baby boy Rundell due this November).

A celebration of Lorry’s life will be held on October 5 at 3 pm Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, Colorado, 80220.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Metro Caring of Denver or your charity of choice.