Mary C. Zanze

Mary Zanze Obituary

ZANZE, Mary C.
Born November 17, 1924 in Lawrence, MA; died peacefully at her home in Sacramento, CA on January 10, 2006 at the age of 81, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was clearly ready to join her late husband, Alex Z. Zanze, who passed away three years ago this month. Daughter of Frank and Josephine Gullo, who had emigrated from Italy, Mary was raised in Brooklyn, NY with extended family living nearby in the Italian neighborhood. She met her husband, Alex, while he served in the army in November 1943 and they married July 2, 1944. After WWII, they moved to San Francisco, where they began their family. Eventually settling in Sacramento in 1955, they raised their three children and later welcomed seven grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren. Mary is survived by her children, Marie Vann Beckman and husband Vern Beckman of Carmichael, Mathew Zanze and wife Julia Sierk-Zanze of Sutter Creek, and David Zanze of Lake Forest, CA; adored grandmother of Geoffrey Nutter and wife Mary Nutter Diaz of New York City, Ethan Nutter and Gina Lano Nutter and Aaron Zanze of Sacramento, Kristen and Joshua Zanze of Ione, and Nathan and Amy Zanze of Lake Forest; as well as stepgranddaughters, Rachel Beckman of Reno, Nevada & Jennifer Lozano Beckman and husband Jose Lozano of College Park, Maryland. Mary's great-grandchildren were an important part of her life and loved being at MeMaw's house. They include Elias, Eriah, Ezra, and Evann Lano-Nutter of Sacramento; Elaine & Samuel Nutter Diaz of New York; and stepgranddaughter, Amelia Beckman Lozano of Maryland. Mary is also survived by her brother, Fred Gullo and his wife Judy James Gullo of Sharon, Connecticut, numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Mary; and family friend Kerry Vann. Mary spent her life caring for others. She taught her grandchildren how to make biscotti and ravioli and her great-grandchildren how to make bread. Anyone who visited left her house with bags of her homemade bread in hand, as well as boxes of cereal or detergent that she proudly bought on sale. She was careful with her nickels so she could spend quarters on her family. Mom, as you requested shortly before your passing, we opened the doors and windows. We know Dad was waiting. Friends are welcome for visitations Monday 4 PM, until the Rosary starting at 7 PM at LOMBARD & CO., FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 1550 Fulton Ave., Sacramento and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday at ST. PHILOMENE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Bell & El Camino Aves. Interment will be private. The family requests no flowers; contributions may be made to the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento, 3555 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821 in our mother's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Zanze

7 Entries

Rose Leidl

January 16, 2006

To Mary's family:

I have been privileged to have met Mary a couple of years ago through her daughter and my wonderful friend, Marie Vann Beckman. I still remember the perky and cheerful motherly Mary! It is no surprise that her life was surrounded with love and adoration from friends and family. May our warm thoughts and prayers comfort you all in these difficult times.

Carol Arbini-McFarland

January 13, 2006

To Mary’s family,

The Zanze and the Arbini family go back to San Francisco before 1950. Our parents have known one another for almost sixty years. I adored both of your parents. When I attended your Dad’s funeral your Mother grabbed my hand when I walked in and insisted that I sit with her. At my Dad’s funeral in February she sat with me and my sons. Mary was always so gracious and loving to everyone. I had just told my Mother to call and set up a time this weekend for us to visit your Mother. I was so upset when I opened the newspaper yesterday morning. My family sends their deepest sympathy for your lost. Mary was a dear, sweet lady. I have fond memories of her and your Dad that I will always cherish.

Diana Modula

January 13, 2006

My dearest Mary,

I can still remember that day in May 1985 when my husband, our two sons and I moved into the Kerria Way neighborhood. You welcomed us with open arms, and a friendship began for me that was like no other I have experienced. In no time at all you became my friend, my confidant. You were like a mother to me and a grandmother to Michael and Joseph. Your heart was so big that you always had room for everyone in it. I will always cherish our time together, the summer evenings we pulled out our chairs and just sat outside talking. I remember the many times I came to your home to style your hair or give you hair cuts that would run into hours because, again, we would always get distracted with conversation. Michael and Joseph hold fond memories of you constantly baking or cooking and always surprising them with hot bread fresh right out of the oven or one of your Italian dishes or desserts. You always gave from your heart because doing for others was what Mary Zanze was all about. I will miss you dearly my special friend, but you will never be forgotten. Memories of you will always be around us. Every time I see a salt and pepper shaker set I will say, “I wonder if Mary has that set”. I always kept my eyes open for new sets for your collection. God bless you Mary and may you rest in eternal peace my beloved friend.

Sincerely,

Diana Modula

LaVonne Coen

January 12, 2006

Marie and Family - my sympathy to you on the loss of your dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I know from your many stories that she lived a full and wonderful life. I'm sure she is looking down from heaven and proudly telling everyone about her wonderful family. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Jean Brown

January 12, 2006

To all the family.

It is impossible to express in a few words all the feelings and memories from over 45 years of being a friend and neighbor to Mary. She was always doing nice things, both for Cay and I, but for many of the neighbors also.

I know how difficult it is to lose a mother and it is my prayer that the Lord'd comforting spirit will be with each of the family. I know that Mary is now in good company, and reunited with Alex. May the Lord's blessing be with you.

Love, Jean

Jean Brown

January 12, 2006

To all of Mary's family.

In just a few words it is impossible to convey my thoughts and memjories of over 45 years of being a friend and a neighbor to your mother, Mary. She did so many acts of kindness, not only to Cay and I, but to many of our neighbors.

My prayer goes out to all of you that the Lord's comforting spirit will be with you, and you will know that Mary is now in good company and reunited with Alex. May God bless you all. My Love, Jean

Lori Brown-Peters

January 12, 2006

Marie, David and Matt it's with my deepest sympathy that I send this to you. I truly loved Mary. At times in my life she seemed to be my second Mom. I have many fond memories of her and I. She taught me how to bake, how to enjoy a good cup of coffee (and a cigarette) and how to make home made bread and raviolis. I last visited with Mary last summer when she had asked me to get her some vegetables at Slough House. My husband and I were in the process of buying a brand new home in Rancho Cordova's Anatolia Development and I had told Mary we go to Slough House every Sunday after we look at the house and its progress. She will be dearly missed and always loved and remembered. She was always very proud and would never let me give her things because she had to pay. As you know, my Mother passed away on May 1, 2005 and I'm sure she'll be welcoming Mary into the heavens.

God bless you and yours in this most difficult of times.

Lori Brown-Peters

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results