Mary (Marion) Zema passed away on December 6, 2024, at the age of 98. Marion, the oldest of five daughters, was born to Catherine and Louis Lato in Lynn, Massachusetts. Marion and her sisters, first generation Italian immigrants, spent their formative years in the Bronx where she met her beloved Joseph Zema.
Eventually, Marion and Joe moved to Greenwich Village where they successfully operated Zema's Italian Bakery, now known as Rocco's. In 1959, they moved to Brewster and partnered with Peter and Nellie Tavino to develop Zema Tavino Construction.
Marion was a member of Catholic Daughters, the Italian American Club, and Saint Lawrence Parish. Marion was a devoted sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. During her retired years she enjoyed providing daycare for her granddaughters Cyndi Del Rossi and Tricia Golden. She traveled with her friends who often gathered for games of "May I".
Marion was especially excited to spend time with her great grandchildren Thomas Joseph and Caitlyn Del Rossi. She was an avid Mets fan, enjoyed gardening, political conversations, cooking and baking. She was noted for her cream puffs.
Marion was predeceased by her sisters Angeline Merlino and Nellie Tavino and her beloved husband Joe. She is survived by her daughter Ann (Roger) Golden, sister Elizabeth Zaneri, granddaughters Cyndi (Tom) Del Rossi, Tricia Golden (Howard Charton), great grandchildren Caitlyn and TJ Del Rossi and her many nieces and nephews.
Marion will be missed by the many friends and family members whose lives she greatly influenced. She was strong and independent until the very end and will always be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marion's name can be made to American Cancer Society.
