North Hornell, NY
Paula A. Zierak – 81 – formerly of Manor Hills Nursing Home in Wellsville, died Monday afternoon (February 2, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past year.
Born in Mechanicville, NY on August 13, 1944, she was the daughter of Nicholas & Shirley (Neaton) Valigorsky and the step-daughter of Raymond Heslin.
Paula grew up in Mechanicville and was a graduate of Mechanicville High School (class of 1962).
She was married to Edward J. Zierak who was a member of the US Navy for 20 years. Due to Edward’s career, they moved frequently and throughout the years resided in many locations around the world including Japan, Spain, Virginia, Long Island, Florida and California.
After serving as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom for many years, Paula decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse and enrolled in Nursing School in Albany, NY. After earning her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree, she was employed as an LPN in several hospitals and also served
as a Private Duty Nurse.
Paula enjoyed spending her time watching TV and working on crossword puzzles and other brain teaser books. She was a true dog lover and owned & cared for several “canine companions” throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Edward John Zierak (died 2025); her son, James Edward Zierak (died 2001); her brother, James “Jim” Heslin; her sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Heslin.
Surviving are her son, Michael (Stacey) Zierak of Colchester, VT; 4 grandchildren, Andrew Michael Zierak, Larissa Alexandra Zierak, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Zierak and Cecelia Katherine Zierak; several nieces & nephews.
At Paula’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Paula’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Francis Xavier School, 5 Saint Peter St, Winooski, VT 05404 or https://www.sfxvt.org.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.