Obituaries

Celia Ann Zielesch
July 20, 1921 - May 19, 2016

Celia was born to Theresa (Warfield) and John Cushnack on July 20, 1921 in Detroit, MI. She had an older brother, Lester who was 10 years older than her making her the beloved baby sister. Celia was a happy child who grew up during depression. She always had many friends and with her natural curly hair she was often called "Shirley Temple."

Celia worked at J.L. Hudson's downtown Detroit store from 1939-1941 where she met Louis Zielesch. They married on November 15, 1943. Celia then worked for the IRS from 1941-1943 and 1945-1947. The first 2 years of married life took them to Ardmore, Oklahoma for training for Lou from 1943-1945.

Once World War II was over, Celia and Lou built their home in Bloomfield Township. The house was completed in 1948 and Celia lived in that home until her death.

Their son Robert was born in 1959 and their daughter Janice was born in 1961. Celia enjoyed raising her children and keeping her home for her family. Unfortunately, Lou was diagnosed and passed away from cancer on February 13, 1970.

After the death of her husband, and father Jack, Celia's mother Theresa moved in with her to help out. Celia went to Oakland Community College for the next few years and received her associates degree in Library Technical Assistance. She then worked at Brother Rice High School from 1977-1989 when she retired.

Throughout her life, Celia enjoyed gardening, family, friends, her dogs and cats, and most especially church. After transferring to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in the late 1970's, Celia was involved in many aspects of church life. Up until her Ironrite ironer stopped working just a few years ago, she pressed the church linens for years.

Celia had very good health other than breaking her wrist two times (while gardening) and breaking her collar bone while walking her dogs Ollie and Coco a few years ago. When she was 90 she started slowing down and had some difficulty with balance and walking. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2015 after having symptoms for a few years. She had hoped for an aortic valve replacement surgery, but that could not happen due to a blocked heart artery, which was fixed in the fall of 2015.

As 2016 started, Celia's health deteriorated quickly. A few weeks at Evergreen Health and Living rehabilitation plus 3 hospital stays had taken their toll. Celia spent the last 2 months of her life in her beloved home, where she belonged, being cared for by special friends and some family members.

Celia's suffering is over. She was blessed with so many good friends and loved ones. Celia was the oldest family member and will be missed by all. She is now in heaven, in glory with the lord.

Thanks be to god who has given Celia the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! To god alone be all the glory!

Celia is the loving mother of Janice Zielesch and Robert Zielesch (Carol). She is a devoted Aunt of Violet Spencer, Kim Miller (Scott), Holley Spencer, Debbie Zielesch, Lynn Dallas (Jon), Michael Zielesch, Chad Zielesch, Jessie Kruttlin (Jon), and Andrea Zielesch. Grand Aunt of Sarah, Spencer, John, Molley, Stephanie, Jeff, Addison and Harper.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 4, 2016 11am at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1100 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. Visitation at church begins at 10am. The family prefers memorial tributes to the Michigan Human Society.