Maria Zubaly

Maria Zubaly, 89, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, with both her loving daughters by her side. Maria was born March 6, 1936, in the little town of Mucsony, Hungary.

Maria was raised on a farm and lived a simple, happy life as a child. She always shared fond stories about her loving parents and happy times with the farm animals and her childhood friends.

Maria immigrated from Hungary to America with her husband Lajos, and their infant son Louis in 1957. She was sponsored by her uncle John in Homestead, PA and then moved several times across the USA to NY, CA, IA and ultimately MI. She worked in a variety of administrative positions and organizations during her life to provide for her family. She had a tremendous work ethic and was always highly recognized for her performance.

Maria was an amazing mother who cared deeply for her four children and would give everything to ensure their happiness. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart and was affectionately known as Apple Grandma. She always enjoyed taking the children to the park, playing games and cheering them at sporting events.

Maria had a heart of gold with a tremendously kind spirit. She was a very independent, strong and caring person. She enjoyed helping others and teaching children. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and sewing. She was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church and volunteered for the church and community events in her younger years. She always helped those in need and even if she did not have very much, she shared and was incredibly generous. Our beautiful mother was a true hero, and her love will continue to live strong within her entire family.

Maria was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother and extended family in Hungary. In the USA she was preceded by her uncle John, grandson Nicholas, her two sons Frank and Louis.

Maria is survived by her two daughters Elizabeth (John) Wood and Barbara (Glen) Dunlap, Daughter-In-Law Martha (Zubaly) Hutchings, 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Family and Friends will be received at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20th, 2026 with a Funeral Mass to follow at St. Philip Catholic Church at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township. A private gathering will also be held to continue to honor and celebrate her life after the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.