Our Beloved Zelio

Yea Sandy, We were all taken back with her passing. I got my 'Yellow Bird' art work framed and it's hung in the hallway. Saturday, the husband and I hit the flea markets, Goodwill, two different Salvation Army Stores. about six Junk Stores. We finally found a lovely frame at the March of Dime's Store. Maybe it was Friends of PAWS, I forget but we had a great time and really found some great treasures including the frame for five bucks. An artist friend advised me how to mat it and I did it all by myself. We can see it from the kitchen and every time I walk down the hall I think of our dear friend. This is our first real 'piece of art work' we ever bought. Really not into that sort of thing, but it's pretty.

What a shock to read this late last night! I'd missed "Z" since Christmas, but hadn't made but a couple of "drive-by" visits to the forum since the Holidays. I'd really missed her, and now I know I'll miss her even more. Once in a while a great spirit comes along - one that can form and guide a global forum from behind a keyboard. Z was such a person, and her fingerprints will remain here as she helped establish the tone and spirit of elioowners.com.

She shared a love of automobiles that was atypical of a rural "schoolmarm". She was a leader, counselor, and a great friend who loved adventure - although saddled with a few physical constraints - but her sunny disposition and optimistic zest for life shown through whatever physical challenges she had as she shared her tremendous heart with all. She'd been a serious student of the progress of the vehicle, a knowledgeable resource who made every new member feel welcome to the forum. She was also a cheerleader for the brand, dispensing folk wisdom in her own inimitable style, whether welcoming new members, directing questions to previous posts, even silencing trolls with kindness - she was truly a force of nature. Sadly, she departed this world, still smiling and optimistic, before she could take delivery of her "dream" car. I had looked forward - as many had - to a summer tour to the PNW - just to meet her. Our prayers for the peace and comfort of her family, friends, and many fans.

I too will add a small "Z" to my proposed pinstripes, for those of us who follow in her three-wheeled tracks - a simple "Z" to remind us of a great lady who was probably the best friend the marque will ever have. It is fitting that she ride with us.

Talking with friends this morning on another forum, I mentioned Zelio's passing. Someone said, "Well, I guess she got her delivery earlier than expected! - which reminded me . . .

I think the only time I ever saw our pastor taken aback was when he was doing some "man on the street" interviews several years ago, asking people on the street what they think heaven will be like. Streets paved with gold, big mansions, etc. - you know, the usual images were common, but one guy, obviously a NASCAR fan, blurted out, "racin' cores!"

The pastor was stunned for about a half-second before replying with a big laugh, "I'm sure if that will make you happy, they'll be there!" I feel like "Z" is taking delivery about now, terrorizing those gold-paved streets with her "pre-production" model.

When an older thread becomes active again, I've seen a lot of posts of hers I hadn't seen before. Kinda jolts me every time.

I have gone back in threads, way before I joined, just to read some of Z's words of wisdom. Makes me feel she is still here with me, guiding me along in this journey to completion of our Elios. I find myself talking to her, knowing she is listening and I wait for her answers. Miss you Z!

I received this wonderful memorial card and note from Z's sister, Mary Beth, in the mail today. Receiving and reading this is bittersweet for me however I really do appreciate Mary Beth making the effort to write this and send it to me as I will keep it in a special place. I can't wait to receive my Elio as I know Z will be right there with me enjoying the ride!

goofyone said:

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I received this wonderful memorial card and note from Z's sister, Mary Beth, in the mail today. Receiving and reading this is bittersweet for me however I really do appreciate Mary Beth making the effort to write this and send it to me as I will keep it in a special place. I can't wait to receive my Elio as I know Z will be right there with me enjoying the ride!

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She will be missed by all of us.

Thank you G1 for sharing this with us. And what a great picture of her...she had 'smiling eyes' if I ever saw them. Bittersweet for sure.

My world was a better place with Z there.

Honestly, the entire time I knew of her (since July...and I could go back, but I believe she was the very first to respond to my post. And of course, it ended with a ""), I always thought "Z" was short for something. Had no idea it was her real name.