Marion Irene (Cafarella) Zanco

Marion Zanco (Cafarella) age 97, passed away on July 31, 2017. She was most recently a resident of Meadow Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waltham.  Marion was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Angelo who died July 28, 2007; and her sisters Edith D’Ambrosio, Mary Valenti and brother Thomas Cafarella.  She is survived by her son John and his companion Jan Chapman of Haverhill MA, her grandson Jack and his wife Natalia of Framingham, her longtime caregiver Valerie Fuchu of Tewksbury as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Born in Hyde Park, MA, she was the daughter of the late Domenic and Mariana (Bongiorno) Cafarella.  Marion moved many times during her youth most notably to Brooklyn, Manhattan, Cambridge and the island of Selina, Sicily, but she was proud to call Watertown her home for more than 80 years.  A working mother since the mid 1950’s, Mrs. Zanco was Director of Purchasing for Haartz-Mason Inc. of Watertown until her retirement in 1982. 

In her leisure time, Marion enjoyed many interests including reading, knitting, crocheting, dancing and traveling.  She was most happy when playing board games, cards and dominos with family and friends.  She was a member of Saint Patrick’s Parrish Prayer Shawl group and was an active member of the American Legion Post 156 in Waltham.  As the ‘right hand’ assistant to Dot Slamin Hill for more than 20 years, Marion was responsible for planning and coordinating all of the American Legion Band’s domestic and international trips.  

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 3, from 9:00 – 10:30 am in the MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home at 270 Main St. Watertown, followed by Funeral Mass in the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Patient Activities Fund at Meadow Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 45 Woburn Street, Waltham, MA 02451.

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