Zelma Von Della Riddick

Zelma Von Della Riddick, 52, of Waterbury went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Zelma is a daughter of the late Elmore W. Riddick and Gladys (Smith) Riddick.  Born July 25, 1970 in Waterbury, she is one of 11 children.  Her family was her greatest joy.

Zelma brought comfort and healing to her profession as a certified nurse’s assistant.   Her patience and dedication to the needs of others brought solace to many.  As her own health began to fail, she needed to step away from the difficult work of being a CNA at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center.  Yet her family was always witness to her love.  She cooked with love all her signature dishes.  There are so many favorites for her sons, daughter and siblings.  Whether macaroni and cheese, tuna salad, ham hocks, baked ziti or more, she infused love into every morsel.

And oh how Zelma enjoyed music and dancing.  She loved the beat of 80’s music; Rod Stewart, Boy George and her favorite of all -Prince.  She truly grieved Prince’s passing.  She also loved a good card game with family and friends.  But more than anything, Zelma loved her children.  They were the light of her life.  As grief envelopes them, our fervent prayer is that precious and beautiful memories sustain her children as they travel the journey of life and that knowledge that Zelma is now in the beauty of God’s heaven will bring them peace.

Left to cherish her love and memory are Zelma’s children Harvey Saunders of Southington, Darrell Saunders of Waterbury and Za-Della Troxell of Waterbury and her beloved grandchildren Versace Saunders, Dariella Saunders, Dehlani Saunders and Analeyah Gonzalez.  Zelma also leaves her cherished brothers and sisters: Leon, Sandra, Jacquielen, Alfred, Arletha and Renai Riddick and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Zelma is predeceased by her parents and brothers Elmore and Willie, and sisters Gloria and Evelyn Riddick.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm.  at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  Zelma’s funeral service will begin promptly at 1pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  You are invited to share a favorite memory, photo and your words of love and comfort on Zelma’s tribute wall at www.prospectmemorial.com.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zelma Von Della Riddick, please visit our floral store.