Marie Zelasko, loving wife, devoted sister, fun-loving aunt, teacher, mentor, and easy friend, has died of ovarian cancer.

Beloved wife of Walter. Proud aunt of Scott (Paula), Laura (Jason), Erin, Lisa, Tim (Mary), and Stacy. Grand aunt of Taron, Riann, Dylan, Leah, Mila, Jacob, Anna, and Ben. Dear sister of Thomas (Sharon) Svitkovich and JoAnn (the late Phillip) Christensen. Marie was preceded in death by her son, Walter Michael; husband, Walter; parents, Louis and Helen Svitkovich; and her brother, Lou Svitkovich.

Marie excelled in the field of English and earned advanced degrees through Eastern Michigan University. Forever a learner, Marie's quest for knowledge also took her abroad to study at the University of  Birmingham, England. With Marie's vast education, she became a passionate teacher within the Wayne Westland School District, where she taught for 34 years. Marie taught English to all levels and grades at Adams Junior High and John Glen High, was a department head for the English Department, and led yearbook teams in creating award-winning yearbooks.

For fifty-three years, Marie and Walt journeyed to England, France, Italy, and repeated trips to New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Charleston, and Savannah. All of these experiences inspired a lifelong passion for the arts, antiques, gardening, and theater, especially at the Shakespearean Festival in Stratford, Ontario and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In addition to supporting the arts, Marie and Walt were avid supporters of environmental and social issues. Together, they crafted a fulfilling life to be enjoyed and proud of.

Marie loved her family tremendously and enriched their lives through experiences, the arts, and with the ease of her laughter. Marie generously shared herself with those she loved by way of delectable meals, theater tickets, literature, wisdom, trips to beautiful places, seeking medical assistance, paper edits, and numerous grammar lessons. She was ever a good sport, doing things like eating at a Pizza Hut (with stipulations) for the kids in her life and never shied away from doing The Chicken Dance at events. Over the years, Marie traveled many miles to attend sporting events, a naval graduation, graduations, dance recitals, and to provide hugs and support to her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Marie's love and care for her family and friends will be an everlasting part of who they are.

A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish (22430 Michigan Ave) in Dearborn on Monday, December 16th, at 11 a.m. Gathering at the parish begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, with a celebration of life luncheon at Antonio's (26356 Ford Rd, Dearborn) to follow at 2:30 p.m.

Donations in Marie's honor will support the Forbes Institute for Cancer Discovery Fund - 329294 at the University of Michigan. Checks should be payable to "University of Michigan" and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include "In memory of Marie Zelasko" in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. You may also donate by calling 734-764-6777 or by using the following link: https://victors.us/mariezelasko

"Why the solemn faces? I'm happy!"

~Marie Zelasko~