Margaret Jean Beck

Margaret Jean Beck (Cathcart) passed away on March 3, 2025, in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan at the age of 87. She was born on June 4, 1937, in Bad Axe, MI to the late Beatrice Zelinski (Brinkman) and Creighton Cathcart. Upon graduating from Bad Axe High School in 1955, Margaret attended Central Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She went on to obtain a Master’s Degree from Northern Michigan University. Margaret taught kindergarten in Roseville Public Schools for over 30 years. After retiring, she spent many years as a substitute teacher in many school districts in Metro Detroit.

Margaret was a long-time resident of Grosse Pointe Farms. She enjoyed animals, especially dogs, and was a defender of wildlife and nature. Over the course of her life, she adopted many dogs who she spoiled like children. Margaret also loved traveling having visited all seven continents. Margaret rarely traveled alone. Instead, her trips were shared experiences with her mom, sister, nieces, long-time companion John O’Connor, and many of her friends. Some of her favorite trips included Egypt, Ireland, and Thailand. She even traveled to Antarctica as part of an educational tour. Margaret enjoyed taking cruises with family and friends. When she was not traveling and teaching, Margaret volunteered with many charities and causes. She volunteered with the Michigan Humane Society, The Tuesday Musicale where she helped write their newsletter, the Michigan State Fair, the Grosse Pointe Democratic Club including hosting an annual garage sale at her home, and her church, the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit, which she attended for over 45 years. Margaret was also passionate about politics and served as a Precinct Delegate for the Michigan Democratic Party in multiple elections and was awarded the 2011 David Greenspan Award for her outstanding contributions to the Grosse Pointe Democratic Club.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother (Beatrice Zelinski) and father (Creighton Cathcart) and brothers John Zelinski and Tony Zelinski. She is lovingly survived by her sister Melinda Drake, sisters-in-law JoAnne Zelinski and Margaret (Kay) Kovacs, and her nieces and nephew. Margaret also has had many lifelong friendships that she deeply cherished who will miss her presence in their lives. Margaret will be remembered for her kindness and generosity as well as her love for her dogs.

Margaret’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at the Grand Lawn Cemetery in Pigeon, MI, where her mother is also buried.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michigan Humane Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family to celebrate Margaret's life on April 12, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. with a short service scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church on April 12, 2025.