Mary J. Zielinski

She is survived by her children, Nancy Negrini and Daniel Zielinski (Gale); her brother, Jack Camilleri (Nancy); her sister, Vivian Benstead; and her grandchildren, Andrew Shalawylo, Eva Zielinski, Anthony Negrini (Amanda), and David Zielinski (Morgan). She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Zielinski; her son, Tom Zielinski (Tina); her daughter, Lori Shalawylo (Brian); her grandson, Peter Shalawylo; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Joseph Attard; her brother-in-law, Mahlon Benstead; and her parents, Maria and Louis Camilleri.

Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan, to first-generation Maltese immigrant parents. She remained very proud of her Maltese heritage, honoring many of the traditions handed down to her, including her love of cooking and entertaining, her generosity in opening her home and heart to anyone who needed or wanted it, and, most importantly, her faith. Mary took her privilege of loving our Lord to heart and was a faithful and true servant to God throughout her life. It showed in everything she did, especially in the way she loved everyone. She had a unique way of loving each person equally and individually, in a manner that made them feel truly special.

Mary attended St. Vincent High School, where she had a best friend and partner in crime in her sister, Margaret. Together, they shared many great times and good friends. She enjoyed traveling and loved spending time on the beach in Lexington.

Mary started working at a young age and never stopped. She was a hard worker who always put her best foot forward. From working at Jim Dandy’s soda shop to Michigan Bell, her work ethic was exceptional and carried over into every aspect of her daily life. She and Tom managed to put four children through college and provided them with every opportunity, while making sure no need went unmet. It was her determination to give her family everything she had that made her a success—a mother like no other, truly.

Mary’s generosity was unmatched. She gave her time, her advice, and her love endlessly. She was a wonderful gift giver who gave from the heart and always seemed to know exactly what would make others happy. Steadfast in her beliefs and never wavering from what she thought was right, Mary was someone people could always rely on. She was a rock for countless others, especially her family. Her love knew no bounds.

Mary was fiercely loyal. Once you were in her inner circle, there was not anything you could do to get back out. She was everybody’s biggest cheerleader, never giving a thought to herself. Mary will be missed terribly, even though all who truly knew and loved her understand that she is where she needs to be. God has welcomed an angel back home, and the heavens will shine a little brighter.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152, on September 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Colette Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.