Colette Marie Zirnhelt

Colette Marie Zirnhelt, age 83, of Flint, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024. A special memorial service will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 19, 2024 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. A committal service will follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. The family will gather to receive visitors starting at 9:00 AM until the time of service on Friday. 

Colette was born on January 2, 1941, in Flint the daughter of the late Bruno and Regina (Lukasavitz) Zielinski.  She graduated from St. Agnes Catholic High School, class of 1958. Colette also received her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1979.  She excelled as a Social Worker for Family Management at the Flint Board of Education-Mott Adult High School.  She was always devoted to her students' success.  Colette also worked in administration for over 20 years for Schultz Printing before her retirement.  Prior to that, she was versatile in many skills, such as an assistant at Home Interiors, Inc; administrative secretary for a local attorney; coordinated policies for a Flint insurance company; and continued in her devotion in co-educating students at Genesee Intermediate School District.  Colette worked gracefully and efficiently earning awards, promotions, and accolades for being a dedicated student and employee. 

Colette loved to dance!  She twirled around in her growing up years in the Flint Junior See-Saw Club, a square-dancing program.  She loved being social and meeting new people, so square dancing perfectly partnered her up with many enthusiastic competitors.  She was often cited as a favorite amongst the other dancers.  Colette also volunteered as a Den Mother for Boy Scouts, while raising three sons. She was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and traveled the world with her sons and family members.  Colette was always thrilled to retell the details of her most precious vacation trip to Prague to witness her son's marriage.  

Colette was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno and Regina Zielinski, her brother, Richard F. Zielinski, and her sister-in-law, Shelley Zielinski. She is survived by her loving sons, Anthony Zirnhelt of Germantown, MD, Gregory Zirnhelt of Falls Church, VA, and Eric (Hana) Zirnhelt of Prague, Czech Republic; grandchildren, Mirek and Karina Zirnhelt of Prague, Czech Republic; siblings, Lorraine Zielinski of Laguna Falls, CA, and Joseph Zielinski of Flint; sister-in-law, Rita Zielinski of Fenton; best friend, Judy Duncan; special care giver, Susie Addison; special nieces and nephews, Rasha (Richard) Wagner, Courtney Zielinski, Amanda (Chad) Habermehl, Jeff (Tammy) Zielinski, Regina (William) Lamontagne, Katherine (Jason) Cords, and Kristi (Jamie) Elfstrom; and many great nieces, great nephews and much loved cousins. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com