Marie (Ferrazano) Lubell

Marie (Ferrazano) Lubell, 90, of Woodside NY, formerly of Worcester passed away  Sunday, March 10, 2024.  . 

 Marie was born in Worcester MA on September 11, 1933, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Mazzone) Ferrazano. After graduating from the Sacred Heart Academy, Marie went on to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Worcester State College. She then taught in the Worcester Public School System for five years, moved to New York City, first working as editor at Columbia University Electronics Laboratory and entering the New York School System where she taught ESL- English as a Second Language - until her retirement in 1991. Marie’s life did not slow down, however. She then founded and served as president/CEO of Stadium Press Inc., the publisher of Crossword Puzzles Extraordinaires series - named the most difficult, she notably encouraged cruciverbalists' use of dictionaries and reference books, but not crossword dictionaries which would be of little help. 

 At the same time, Marie served as the Secretary/Treasurer to Italians of American Heritage in New York City and Italian liaison with people such as Mario and Matilda Cuomo and Mayor Ed Koch. Throughout her retirement, Marie loved travel which began in her 20s continued throughout her life. Her innate curiosity and interest in other cultures have taken Marie to places in five continents including Soviet Union, China, Japan, Iceland, Australia et al. Most noteworthy in some way, however, may have been Las Vegas and Atlantic City where she hit 10 Royal Flushes; two of which were on one machine in one short sitting. It was not all fun and games of course. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998 but managed to become a 25-year survivor. In the 26th year cancer returned, a medical anomaly. But she did lead a rich and full life spreading joy and happiness to all who have come to know her. She was predeceased by her brother Tony Zano the Jazz Pianist and survived by her husband Shoichi Kiyokawa, 2 Godsons and many cousins.

 Funeral services and burial in St John’s Cemetery with her parents will be held privately. There are no calling hours. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family.