Margaret Hutcheson, Engelhardt, Paul Zelinsky

Margaret (Hutcheson) Zelinsky, age 95, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on December 20, 2022.

Margaret was born on January 5, 1927 in Battle Creek to James and Margaret Hutcheson of Dundee and Paisley, Scotland. Margaret was a life-long resident of Battle Creek and attended the Battle Creek schools; graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1945. In 1948, she married Donald L. Engelhardt who preceded her in death in 1965. Together they had two children, James and Joan. In 1975, Margaret married Harold O. Paul of Pigeon, MI. Married for twenty-four years, Harry and Margaret lived on Gull Lake in Richland, MI and spent time at their cottage on Lake Heron. They both loved the water and enjoyed boating, fishing, and entertaining friends and family. Harry preceded her in death in 1999. In 2002, Margaret married Thomas R. Zelinsky of Battle Creek, MI. Married for eight years, Tom and Margaret liked to play bridge, go out to dinner with friends, and spend time with family. They also enjoyed traveling to their winter home in Florida. Tom preceded her in death in 2010. Margaret was also preceded in death by her younger sister Mildred (Smith) Walters of Dunedin, FL and her parents.

Margaret retired as a secretary from the Kellogg Company in 1985, after many years of service. She was active in the Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, and the PTA. Margaret was also a Red Cross Volunteer, past member of the Battle Creek Women's Social Club, Burnham Brook Center, Community Hospital Auxiliary, volunteer at the Volunteer Bureau, and worked for the United Fund. Margaret was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek and member of Martha Circle. Margaret was a resident of the NorthPointe Woods community where she enjoyed playing Bingo, trivia, crosswords, Jeopardy, and going on outings.

Margaret cared deeply about her family and always put the family first. She will be lovingly remembered for her strength, wisdom, guidance, and generosity.

Margaret is survived by her children; James (Marsha) Engelhardt of Battle Creek, MI, Joan Castillo of East Lansing, MI; grandchildren Jennifer (Luke) Williams of Nantucket, MA, Brian (Rachel) Engelhardt of Texas Corners, MI, Michelle (Don) Whelan of Catonsville, MD, Marcos Castillo of Leslie, MI; great grandchildren Lauren Engelhardt, Jack Williams, Everett Whelan, Alexander Whelan; niece JoAnn Smith of Clearwater, FL and nephew David Smith of Tampa, FL. A celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2023. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Margaret's name may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Ave, NE Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com