Polly A. Zielinski

Polly A. (Burns) Zielinski, of Sylvania, OH, passed away peacefully at Toledo Hospital on December 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Polly was born on August 29, 1959, to Bernard F. Burns and Jean Suzanne (Bowyer) Burns. Polly’s life began with medical challenges being born with two holes in her heart, she was given a very short life expectancy due to limited medical treatments available at the time. Polly beat the odds and in 1972 at the age of 13 traveled along with family to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to have open- heart surgery where she spent over a month recovering.

Polly was a proud graduate of the Start High School Class of 1977. During high school, despite her many medical challenges, including having to wear a back brace for scoliosis, Polly was part of many clubs and activities. Even taking a class at Scott High School and becoming a radio DJ, which sparked her love for music of all genres. Polly graduated high school and went on to work at the France Stone Company in downtown Toledo. She also worked at various restaurants including Friendly’s Ice Cream and Pizza Hut. Later in life she worked as a Registration Clerk at both Flower Hospital and St. Charles Hospital. In later years, Polly faced many health challenges which required her to stop working. She was an avid crafter and was most proud of her crocheted projects, including blankets, crocheted clowns, and many other projects. Polly also enjoyed completing puzzles of various shapes and sizes.

In 1981, she welcomed her first child, son, Bradley Christopher Burns, who was born with the same heart challenges, had the same open-heart surgery in Toledo, Ohio and passed away at 54 days old. In 1985, she welcomed her daughter, Megan Zielinski. Later in life Polly was blessed with two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Isabella, whom she cherished deeply.

Polly was proceeded in death by her parents, Bernard and Suzanne Burns; her aunt, Eloise McPherson; uncles, William (Angie) Bowyer, Leonard Burns (Dolores), Gilbert (Dottie) Burns; aunt, Clarice (Jim) Ellison; her son, Bradley; brother-in-law, Bob Cameron; special friend, Jeff Ryan and many cousins. She is survived by her daughter, Megan Zielinski; her granddaughters, Mackenzie and Isabella Zielinski; her sisters, Peggy Cameron, Penny (Matt) McCloskey, and Paula Burns; nephews, Rob (Kristin) Cameron, Zac Cameron, Casey (Paige) Cameron, Kyle Cameron, Braden McCloskey, and Colin (Abbey) McCloskey and many cousins, great nieces, and nephews.

Details on a celebration of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Start High School Hall of Fame, Paws and Whiskers, or Baskets of Care.

The family would like to thank the loving staff at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio and the Toledo Hospital ICU.