WEBSTER, MA/CAIRO, NY - Elizabeth C. Ziemski (nee Wynne) a.k.a. Veronica Martell, peacefully passed away at home and into the waiting arms of God, on Friday, February 13, 2015, with her daughter holding her hand. Elizabeth was born in Dublin, Ireland, to the late James and Elizabeth (nee Mulvey) Wynne. She was the eldest of eight children. While in her teens, Elizabeth traveled to London, England, to live with an aunt and uncle who, were in showbiz. She was taught the art of juggling and became a master in it. Elizabeth was in Stockholm, Sweden, when John Ringling North of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus saw her performing, under the stage name Veronica Martell, and signed her up for the 1951 season with the circus. Coming to America was one of the greatest thrills of her life and she remained faithful to the red, white and blue flag. It was in 1951 that Cecil B. DeMille’s movie “The Greatest Show on Earth” was filmed, based on the Ringling Circus, in which Veronica Martell the Juggling Colleen, and other actual circus performers appeared in the movie. 1951 was a banner year for Veronica as she met Robert Ziemski, who worked with the circus. It was a love match made in heaven. When the circus season was over, they left for Robert’s home town of Webster, MA, and were married in 1952. Joy and motherhood came in 1953 when their only child, Christine, was born. Veronica wanted to return to showbiz and so the trio set off traveling around the globe. In the late 1960’s she retired from the “Lime Lights” settling down to the domestic life as Elizabeth. Her beloved husband, Robert, passed away in 1987, but, her broken heart was mended with the birth of her grandson, Robert Zaroba, in 1988.She relished being “Nanny” to her grandson, whom she spoiled and loved dearly. In 1998, she came to live with her daughter, recovering from an illness. Elizabeth became a parishioner of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Cairo, NY, and was welcomed into the fold by Rev. Jeremiah Nunan and all who met her. Hearts were again broken when Grandson Robert Zaroba was called home by God on Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000. Throughout her life Elizabeth had a feisty spirit, loved life and always looked on the bright side. She greeted one and all with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. She loved all animals. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband and grandson. She is also predeceased by her sisters Chrissy(Wynne) Rita (Iggulden)and Moira(Mapes) Martell, who followed Elizabeth into showbiz as jugglers. She is also predeceased by her brothers – Eamon, a musician and James. She is also predeceased by a cousin- Anitia Martell, Juggler.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughter Christine Ziemski-Zaroba, a sister- Kathleen Doyle(Billy) Emmet Wynne (Marie) and an abundance of nieces and nephews in Ireland, England and America.
On Sunday, February 15, 2015, Elizabeth was waked at Richards Funeral Home, Bross Street, Cairo, NY.
On Monday, February 16, 2015, a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Motta at Sacred Heart Church, Cairo, NY. Friday, February 20, 2015, Elizabeth will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Ziemski family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery, Webster, MA. A graveside service will be held with family in attendance. All arrangements in Webster MA are under the direction of Roland Malboeuf of Sitkowski-Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to Community Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY, 12414, and or the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY, 12534.
Daughter Christine would like to thank the following: Rev. Anthony Motta for the ritual of the Anointing of the Sick at the hospital, Prayer at the Wake and a Spiritual Mass. Also Community Hospice, Social Workers, Bereavement Counselors, Chaplain Dan, Nurses Mary and Melissa .To Nurses Joyce, Silvia and Bernadette, who went above and beyond in their caring. Also Dorothy Hynes for creating the beautiful Mass booklet for the Funeral Mass. Patricia Steinhauer and Ana Fallon and the members of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians Div. # 32 for their aid and support. Rev. Jeremiah Nunan for his support and prayers. Matt Luvera for the Heavenly music. Connie of Karen’s Flower Shoppe for the beautiful floral arrangements. Richards Funeral Home, especially young Vinny for Mom looking so beautiful. Roland Malboeuf of Sitkowski-Malboeuf Funeral Home in Webster, MA, for bringing Mom home to MA. The Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY for the excellent care of Elizabeth. Diane Braden of The Jefferson Heights Family Care Medical Center, who cared for Mom all these years and to the end. Last but not least, to all who attended the Wake, braving the cold. To all who attended the Funeral Mass also braving the cold, both inside and outside. To those who called, May God Bless you.