Mary Zylstra

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.