Mary M. Zack

“A life dedicated to fighting for others. Her legacy lives on in every heart she touched.”

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Margaret Zack, who left us peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 43 years old. 

To know Mary was to love her. From her infectious smile to her lively spirit, she lit up every room she entered. Whether through her generosity, her sense of style, or her vibrant personality, Mary was larger than life in the most beautiful way. She was bold, creative, and loyal. Her personality was magnetic. 

A proud graduate of Michigan State University, Mary was a true Spartan fan, always sporting her green and white with immense pride. Professionally, Mary was a powerhouse. She spent 20 years in medical device, surgical, and pharmaceutical sales, consistently finishing as one of the top performers at each company she worked for. Year after year, she earned multiple Best in Class and Top Sales awards, admired for her dedication, expertise, and integrity. 

Above all, Mary had an unwavering passion for helping others. In 2018, she founded Justice for Otsego, becoming a powerful advocate for our hometown. For years, she fought tirelessly on behalf of our community, always striving to make a meaningful difference. Her commitment never wavered, and she remained devoted to her cause until the very end. 

Just last month, she was thrilled to learn that Justice for Otsego had received a $500,000 grant. The funding will support the Otsego Story Project, which aims to document and honor the experiences and concerns of Otsego/Plainwell residents, while also collaborating with the community to identify sites and sources for environmental testing. Additionally, she was deeply moved to hear that a scholarship would be established in her name. For Mary, Justice for Otsego was more than just a passion project-it was her life’s work, and it will stand as her lasting legacy. 

Mary was an amazing daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and advocate. She leaves behind her loving parents, John and Ellen Zack, her sisters, Emily Bath (Michael) and Elizabeth Peterson (David), and her cherished nieces and nephews, Avery, Anna, Evan and Bennett and her beloved dog, Lorenzo.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, William and Elizabeth Gage, John and Lorraine Zack, Aunt, Lorraine McNally and Uncles, William Gage and David Gage. 

Though we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing that her faith and love of the Lord was strong, and she is finally at peace. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

She was strong. She was resilient. She is finally healed. 

Friends may visit with Mary’s family from 3-6 PM, Saturday, March 8, 2025, and from 11AM – 1PM, Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M., Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Margaret Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. 

Private family burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Grand Rapids. 

Contributions in memory of Mary may be directed to the Mary Zack Scholarship Fund checks made out to Ellen Zack. Please mail donations directly to the funeral home, PO Box 165, Otsego, MI 49078.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.