Marilyn (Ovanes) DiGioia

Marilyn A. (Ovanes) DiGioia, 75, of Worcester and Jupiter, FL passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, October 7, 2024, after a 10 year fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Marilyn was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of George and Annie (Ohan) Ovanes. “Mare” was the baby of the family. She attended Doherty Memorial High School and was part of the first graduating class in 1967. Marilyn worked at the Hip Bone on Highland Street and alongside her mother, Annie, at Atamian Motors.

Marilyn married the “love of her life” Mario DiGioia, in August of 1973. Marilyn and Mario then owned and operated DiGioia Imports on Franklin Street for over 25 years. Marilyn also had a knack for real estate and dabbled in construction with Mario. Together over the next 50 years, they raised their family and nurtured their business with love, dedication, and devotion to the City of Worcester.

 Marilyn and Mario were ALWAYS together. You never saw one without the other. Marilyn made many wonderful memories with her children at the Cape which included going to Colonial Acres Beach, boating around Lewis Bay and many family gatherings. Marilyn was able to continue her love for the beach in Florida which she shared with her grandchildren. Marilyn and Mario loved to spend time with their loved ones hosting and entertaining everyone they met. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Mario; her devoted daughter and best friend, Stefanie Henderson and her husband Bill of Holden; her son Mario DiGioia II of Worcester; five grandchildren who lovingly called her “Nonna”: Eva , Lauren, Olivia, Will, and Mario III. A sister, Barbara Baba and her husband Darius; wonderful in-laws who were more like siblings: Gino and Kim DiGioia, Lella DiGioia, Lynda DiGioia, Tommaso and Kathy DiGioia, Rose Frongillo and Barbara Ovanes; so many nieces and nephews who all loved their “AM” and “Enforcer” as well as extended family and friends, including, Susan and Ike Aubrey, Pam Braverman, Mary Ellen Budzyna, Dr. Joseph and Sandra Celona, Sharyn Eaton, Diana Falconer and Tina Schultz. In addition to her parents, a brother, Robert T. Ovanes, predeceased her in 2023.

 The DiGioia family would like to thank the angels from the Oasis at Dodge Park in Worcester especially during Marilyn’s final weeks: Renee K., Rachael, Yari, Marta and Grace. A special heartfelt appreciation to family nurses Roberta Johnson and Renee Crizer. Lastly, Marilyn was able to enjoy one final winter in Florida thanks to the care, love and support of Colleen Clyatt. We will be forever grateful for you!

 Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours, Monday, October 14 th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St and again on Tuesday, October 15, from 10:00 am to 10:45, followed by her funeral service at 11 am, in St. Mary’s Syriac Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Dr, Shrewsbury. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in Marilyn’s name can be made to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Association, 166 S. River Rd., ste 210, Bedford, NH 03110.