Lorice Zelhof

Lorice Barbara (Sabbagh) Zelhof stepped into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 10, 2023. She was at her home in Paterson, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving children. 

One month short of her 97th birthday at the time of her death, Lorice had a rich, full life. Her pride and joy, and the main focus of her life, was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doing things for and with her family was her greatest joy, whether it was family trips to Wildwood, cooking holiday meals, or sewing on a missing button. Her cooking was legendary, from authentic Middle Eastern dishes to her famous chicken soup. 

Born to Emily (Homsi) and Kamil Sabbagh on December 16, 1926, in Paterson, New Jersey, the family moved to Brooklyn, New York before she returned to Paterson upon her marriage to George Zelhof on November 24, 1946. 

Lorice is survived by her children, Barbara Jarosz, Michael (Mary) Zelhof, George Zelhof, John Zelhof, and Bernadette (Joseph) Murray, her grandchildren, Janine (Casey) Gordon, Cara Jarosz, Joe (Jenn) Murray, Victoria (Peter) Anciano, Andrew (Diana) Murray, Charles Zelhof and Dr. Christopher Murray. She was also a proud Gigi to her three precious great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Jeanette Parkerson, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, who will miss her dearly. 

Lorice was an enthusiastic supporter of her family’s accomplishments, including but by no means limited to, her daughters’ careers in education, and her sons’ careers in business and the military. She worked hard to inspire and educate her children and grandchildren. Her youngest grandchild, Christopher Murray, ironically completed his final day of medical school on the day of her passing, her job finally done. 

Lorice retired from the National Community Bank in 1992 as Junior Vice President, and was an Avon representative for over 51 years, at one time being the Avon Representative with the longest tenure in the company. Lorice was a member of the St. Ann’s Ladies’ Society, worked bingo at the Plaza for many years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, doing jigsaw puzzles with her grandchildren, trips to Atlantic City and Wildwood, and cheering on her beloved Yankees, either in person or on television. 

Lorice was preceded in death by her husband, George Zelhof, who passed away in 1997, after 50 years of marriage, her parents and her brothers, John Sabbagh, Joe Sabbagh and Victor Sabbagh. 

The heartfelt thanks of the family go to Valley Hospice for their love and support every step of the way. 

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Tuesday, November 14 at St. Ann’s church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, New Jersey. Funeral will be 10 am, Wednesday, November 15 at St. Ann’s. Please arrive at 9 am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne’s church or the charity of your choice. 

Contact John Gorny at (973) 919-4570, Gorny Funeral Services.