Mary Zielinski Obituary

Mary Beth (Micky) Zielinski, age 79, of Cropwell, AL, passed away peacefully at her residence on Lake Logan Martin on April 5, 2025.
Micky graduated from Loyola University Chicago where she met the love of her life, Ron Zielinski. Following several travels stateside and abroad supporting Ron's military career, Micky and Ron settled in Anniston, Alabama, eventually moving to Lake Logan Martin, Alabama. A natural born teacher, Micky resumed her career in education after her children were of school age. Following her teaching career and role as school principal, she worked toward further certifications in pastoral studies, eventually rising to lead the Catholic Faith Formation Program for the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama. Her faith and family were always the center of her life. After her retirement, Micky focused on regional travels with Ron, including annual beach trips with the entire family. Innumerable hours were spent with her grandchildren during epic sleepovers at Grandma's house, as well her attendance at numerous basketball, baseball, and football games as well as countless music and dance recitals. Micky wanted all to know "family is the greatest joy of my life, Ron is the love of my life, my girls have always made me proud, and grandchildren are the best!"
Micky is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ronald J, Zielinski; daughters, Katie Zielinski, Cindy Coyle (Mark), and Liesa Burke (John); grandchildren, Henry Hayden Coyle, Drew Burke, Jack Burke, Bo Burke, Anna Catherine Coyle, and Ellie Burke. Also surviving her are two dear cousins, William Bungert (Billy), and Barbara Prus (Jim), as well as her lifelong best friend, Jaqueline Brennan. The family wishes to acknowledge special thanks to Lakeside Hospice caregivers Mattie Vincent for her gentle and kind care for Micky over the past months.
Micky was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Gertrude McClay, treasured in-laws, Walter and Dorothy Zielinski, and infant child, Mary Katherine Zielinski.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 4609 Martin Street, Pell City, Alabama. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church to either the Capital Campaign or Social Concerns Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Zielinski family.