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Shirley Zerka
Born: 4/15/1936
Died: 10/18/2026
Age: 90
Community: Services will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, Flint, MI
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Shirley Ann Zerka (Salim) passed peacefully on October 18, 2026, surrounded by her children. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin whose love and warmth was felt by all who knew her.
Born on April 15, 1936, in Flint, Michigan, Shirley was the eldest of four children of Albert and Victoria Salim (Adado), alongside her siblings Richard, Alberta, and David. She graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1954 and went on to work in accounting for Hamady Brothers.
On January 28, 1956, Shirley married the love of her life, Nazeer Toufic Zerka. Together they raised five children, Mansour, Victoria, Sam, Albert, and Paul, who were the center of her world. Her role as “Sito” was one she embraced wholeheartedly, creating memories that her grandchildren will cherish forever.
Shirley expressed her love through constant generosity, hospitality, and a home that was always open. Her table was always overflowing with traditional Lebanese dishes that brought comfort and joy to all. Her home became a welcoming place for relatives newly arriving from Lebanon and a cherished setting for family holidays. Her love of cooking and hosting, shaped by recipes and traditions passed down from her mother and grandmother, became a lasting gift to her children and grandchildren.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, she was an avid Detroit Tigers and Michigan State fan. She also loved playing bingo and found great joy in the friendships it brought into her life.
Shirley was a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, President of the Morning Star Society, a member of the Ladies’ Altar Society, President of the Ladies’ Cedar Club of Flint, and a lifelong supporter of ALSAC.
Through every chapter of her life, Shirley embodied grace, resilience, and quiet strength, with her Catholic faith ever present. She faced health issues, the loss of her beloved husband, and other life challenges with unwavering perseverance. Shirley’s legacy of love, tradition, and strength will live on through the generations she nurtured so deeply.
Shirley is survived by her children: Mansour, Victoria, Sam, Albert, and Paul; her grandchildren: Amber, Gina, Lewis, Amira, Erica, Jon-Paul, Anna, Saleem, Nazeer, Jacob, Samantha, Kristina, Alex, and Matthew; many great?grandchildren; her sister, Alberta (Haleem) Issaq of Frederick, Maryland; godchildren: Sameer, Susie, John, Dana, and Christine; and dear friend, Alberta Kelush.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nazeer; her parents, Albert and Victoria; her brothers, Richard and David; her grandson, Ryan; as well as many sisters? and brothers?in?law, aunts, uncles, and cousins, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Shirley’s dedicated care team at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. A special thank you to her ICU nurses Lauren, Joy, Tameika, and Alyssa, whose compassion, gentleness, and support made an immeasurable difference.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 4133 Calkins Road in Flint, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., Father Pierre Bassil will officiate. Burial to follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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10/21/2026 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
| Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 4133 Calkins Road in Flint, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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10/21/2026 |
| Time: |
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12:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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