Dr. Shirley Zielinski

Dr. Shirley McGaugh Zielinski, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Jan. 26, 1935, in Old Hickory, Tennessee, to Richard Lawrence and Sarah Harlan McGaugh. She and Czeslaw Zielinski were married June 2, 1964, at Stuttgart, Germany.

She received her bachelors of music with performance certificate from Eastman School of Music; a Fullbright Scholarship for her study in Stuttgart and Cologne, Germany; a masters of music from George Peabody College for Teachers; and her doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis in 1981.

She taught voice at Southeast Missouri State University from 1972 to 1984. She was a professor at Belmont University School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1984 to 2001. During her career, she appeared in many operas and as a guest soloist with several symphony orchestras, such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the General Electric Chorus and other equally famous groups and individuals. She also made many radio and television appearances.

Survivors include her son, Lucian (Molly) Zielinski of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Bonnie (Bill) Stapp of Hagerstown, Maryland; a brother, Richard (Barbara) McGaugh of Sparta, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Candless (Corey) Campbell, Saylor (Clayton) Hardesty and Zachary Zielinski, all of Cape Girardeau; three great-grandchildren, Asher Campbell, McKinley Campbell and Laney Hardesty, all of Cape Girardeau; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She is also survived by her two Italian greyhounds, Sole and Paya, and her parrot, Sweetheart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Dorothy Haverly.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ron Watts officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Cancer Center or a music program of choice.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Jehan Murugaser, Dr. Andrew Moore and all the nurses and staff of Southeast Hospital and Southeast Cancer Center for all their loving care and support.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.