Shirley Jean (Bowser) Zeleski, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away on October 7, 2026, at Traditions of Hanover retirement community. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

Born in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, she was the daughter of Elsie M. (Warner) and Charles B. Bowser, Sr., and the sister of Ruth E. Orris, Charles B. Bowser Jr., and Frederick C. Bowser.

Shirley graduated at the top of her class from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing in 1955, and worked as both a nurse and hospital supervisor for many years. She was deeply proud to call Bethlehem home, where she raised her three sons, and was a devout member of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church, having dedicated much of her time to social ministry.

As a Philadelphia Phillies fan, she rarely missed a game. She was an avid traveler, visiting new countries by land and sea, and often gathered for social events with her dear friends, nursing cohort, and church community.

Shirley is survived by her two sons and granddaughter: Mark J. Zeleski and wife, Denise Zeleski, of Summerfield, North Carolina; Matthew J. Zeleski and wife, Jerilyn Zeleski, of Quakertown; and Jennifer M. (Zeleski) Hammed of Seattle, Washington. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was predeceased by her eldest son, Michael J. Zeleski, in 2023, and her ex-husband, Michael J. Zeleski, in 1996.

Friends are welcome to attend the burial on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10 AM,  in Bethlehem Memorial Park followed by the memorial service at 11 AM in St. Stephen's Church, 67 W. Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA, 18018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be sent to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 67 W. Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA, 18018, or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) at macular.org.