Zelma Mae Dilworth

Zelma Dilworth
Des Moines

Zelma M. Dilworth, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines while under the compassionate care of UnityPoint Hospice.

Zelma was born November 4, 1935, at home near Macksburg, Iowa to Wilfred H. and Helen L. Shehan. She was the first of seven children. She graduated from North High School in Des Moines and was employed by AT&T as an operator for 34 years, retiring on December 13, 1993. She later worked for the U. S. Postal Service as a mailhandler from 1994 - 2002. She then started working for the Des Moines Public Schools from 2003 - 2009. She finally retired in 2009.

Our Mom never met a stranger. She could go almost anywhere in the U.S. meet someone that was related or a friend of someone she knew. Mom was always generous with her time, willing to help anyone in need, be it family, friends, neighbors, or a total stranger. She was a valued member of Visitation Church, now called Our Lady of the America's Church, her family, extended Dilworth family, friends and neighbors. She was a lover of children, animals, working in the yard, nature and in her early years traveling. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Zelma attended Visitation Catholic Church from 1961 to the present, now known as Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church. She married Warren G. Dilworth on September 19, 1952. To this marriage three children were born, Linda K. Peters (Michael), Anna M. Mintzer (Roger), and Patrick Dilworth, Sr. Zelma is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephen, Ryan, Amanda, Patrick Jr., and Zellie; great-grandchildren, Delaney, Evelyn Rose, and Brody; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Dilworth; parents, Wilfred and Helen Shehan; and her siblings, S. Louise Smith, James Shehan, Geraldine Schultz, Blanche Jones, Robert Shehan, and Kathryn Shehan-Ostrand.

Viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, 1271 East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church or a Catholic Charity of the donors’ choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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