Marion Zapytowski

Marion Zapytowski, age 90, of St. Clair Shores died at her home with her daughter, Jane by her side on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Marion was born on September 20, 1930 in Detroit to the late Anthony and Bernice (nee: Bryk) Grabowski.

Marion attended the University of Detroit and the Royal Conservatory of Music (at their affiliate the Ursuline School of Music, located in Windsor) where she majored in music. Marion had completed three years of college before she was diagnosed with Tuberculosis, which forced her to halt her studies indefinitely. For one year, she convalesced at the Herman Kiefer Hospital until her complete recovery.

She then married her husband, John H. Zapytowski on November 5, 1955. Marion continued to pursue excellence in Music Education where she attended numerous music workshops and classes. She maintained active memberships in professional music organizations (The Kelly Kirby Kindergarten Teachers Association, The Michigan Music Teachers Association, and The Detroit Musicians League). Due to Marion’s fortitude and discipline, she ultimately earned an emeritus certification as a teacher of piano from the Michigan Music Teachers Association in 1993, and earned permanent certification status in 2003.

Marion was a gifted teacher of piano and music theory who was beloved by her students. She began teaching in her home when Jane, her youngest daughter, began school and continued until her retirement in 2003.Marion’s ability to ignite the passion and joy of music to others granted her students the strength to pursue careers in music. Her fervent interest and appreciation for music undoubtedly has and will continue to create generations of musicians (including her own children and grandchildren). Marion played the organ at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church.

In addition to her professional and maternal roles, Marion’s appetite for the cultural arts (history, art, dance, theatre and literature) never waned in her 90 plus years. Due to her extensive knowledge and appreciation for the arts, others looked upon her as an expert who was always eager to enlighten any listener with her relevant stories on these topics. Marion’s generosity, wit and dedication were shared in a variety of other settings ranging from the Third Order of St. Francis and the CYO to the Girl Scouts, as well as a multitude of church and other civic volunteer positions.

Marion’s active and upbeat lifestyle included activities (which consisted of camping, hiking, swimming and square dancing) that contributed to her longevity, vitality and passion for life.

Marion’s five loving children, Michael Zapytowski (Jennifer) of Chesterfield, Jack Zapytowski (Laura) of Troy, Marie Weber (Carl) of Troy, Margaret Miller (James) of Washington, and Jane Fisher of Grosse Pointe Farms survive her; as well as fourteen beloved grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition, numerous extended family, close friends, also survive Marion.

Aside from her loving parents, her husband of over 60 years, John H. Zapytowski precedes her in death.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the A. H. Peters Funeral Home (20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods), with a Rosary service starting at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Marion’s Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (21620 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores). Instate will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the beginning of mass.

At the conclusion of mass, the family will meet at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, where Marion will be laid to rest next to her husband, John.

* (Marion's children want to extend an invitation to join them for a luncheon in Marion's honor held at Fern Hill Golf Club immediately following the burial)

* (The family of Marion Zapytowski request that all guests wear a face covering and observe social distancing while attending the visitation and funeral mass.)

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the following two charities. The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist (4597 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105), and / or The Poor Clare’s of Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery (3222 Country Rd. 548, Hanceville AL, 35077).

Arrangements and care provided by A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe.