ZYLSTRA - Mary Ann Zylstra nee Cebelak, age 38, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018. She lived a passionate and vibrant life, cut short by a battle with illness. She cared deeply about people and animals. Her family was her heart. She rescued dogs and brought them to places they could roll in the sun. She was a driven and beautiful athlete who thrived on a challenge. She glided through impossible food recipes and delighted in takeout menus. She had a genuine smile, a quick laugh, and a goofy spirit. Gratitude flowed through her like rain - she watched bees on flowers. Mary will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Douglas Cebelak; brother, Joseph Douglas Cebelak Jr.; grandparents, Robert and Violet Cebelak and Charles and Maxine Gilley. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 14 years, Josh Zylstra; mother, Terri Cebelak nee Ampulski; siblings, Michael (Melanie) Cebelak, Robert (Brenda) Cebelak, Doug (Missi) Lezman, Patrick (Joanne) Cebelak; sister-in-law, Lisa Cebelak; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A gathering to celebrate Mary’s life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 27 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. Internment 11:00 AM Saturday, April 28 at Holy Cross Cemetery. Following the burial on Saturday, a Celebration of Mary's Life will be held at Eastern Avenue Hall, 506 Easten Avenue NE, Grand Rapids from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Ann Zylstra please visit our Sympathy Store.
Cemetery Details
Grand Rapids, MI,
Gathering
APR 27. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
Celebration of Life
APR 28. 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT)
Eastern Avenue Hall
506 Eastern Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Leave Your Tribute Message
I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with Mary weekly for some time. She was a source of wonderful advice and counsel for me. She was always kind and met me each week with that smile!! My condolences to her husband Josh and her family.
- Amy Joffs
Sending condolences to Ms. Terri and Josh, and all of her family. Mary was a kind soul, we would laugh for hours, and talk serious at the same time. It took me awhile to comment as I wasn’t ready to say bye just yet. I’ll continue to pray for healing and pray that she’s no longer in pain.
- Toni Latham
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Mary. I meet her during orientation when we both started working at Comprehensive. We were working in different areas in the agency so we didn't know each other well, and I know we both also moved on to different organizations around the same time, but her death rocks my world. Mary was always extremely sweet and kind, an amazing advocate for her patients and outgoing and beautiful in every way. I hope that one day you may find peace and closure.
- Mandy Rodriguez
Josh, there are no words. Mary was truly a beautiful person. My sincerest condolences
- Maria Negrete
Dick and I are beyond a loss for words. May the God who loves his children, continue to embrace you all as you grieve the loss of Mary. We knew her as a kind, thoughtful, steady, helpful person. So tragic and sad. Gone too soon! Dick (Josh's mom's brother) and Pat Oostenink
- Pat Oostenink
Josh, Terri and family, I will ask God to watch over you in the coming days and weeks. She truly was a wonderful girl. Love always, Aunt Linda Borchers
- LINDA Borchers
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Mary Ann Zylstra.
- Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Josh, we're aching for you in the loss of your wife and friend, Mary Ann. The World Renew family is with you in prayer.
- Laura Musoke
I am devastated from the loss of my sweet Mary Ann,a great loving kid that will be in my heart forever.
- Robert Cebelak
I have lost my brother Doug,Mary Ann’s father,Doug’s son Joey this past thanksgiving and now my lovely and talented Mary Ann.The pain is horrible.R.I.P.Love you all.
- Robert Cebelak
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Mary Ann Zylstra.
- Divine Peace Bouquet
Josh, Mary was a warm, welcoming, generous person. Uncle Ken and I really appreciated the care and love that she showed to your mother. We are heart broken for you in the loss of Mary. Please know that you can call on us for anything you may need. Ruth and Ken Fisher
- ruth fisher
Josh and family: I am so sorry to hear about MaryAnn. My heart goes out to all of you. Pam Jablonski
- Pam Jablonski
Order flowers for Mary's service.
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Thinking of You Basket
Gerbera Greetings
Natures Glory
Sincere Sympathy Garden
Blooming Duo
Loving Embrace
Classic Sympathy
Stargazer Garden
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Tender Touch
White Wonder
Bells of Beauty
Stargazer Easel Spray
Beautiful Memories
Remembrance Easel Spray
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
Colorful Memories Wreath
Keola Stress Less Gummies
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Keola Pain Relief Balm
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