Doris Zappala

1930 - 2024

Doris Zappala

Hanover, NH - Doris Zappala, formerly of Hanover, New Hampshire, died peacefully at Newton-Wellesley Hospital on May 17, 2024, in Newton, Massachusetts at the age of 93.

Doris was born October 5, 1930, to Edith (Edwardson) and John O. Johnson in New York, New York. She grew up in the Bronx where she attended Christopher Columbus High School. She entered St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing graduating in January 1953 which began her career in nursing. In July 1954, Doris moved to Hanover, New Hampshire and met Sam Zappala whom she married on July 8, 1956, at St. Martha's Episcopal Church in the Bronx. After marriage, Doris worked at the Hitchcock Clinic in Hanover until she stayed home to raise their children. When their youngest was in school, Doris returned to the Hitchcock Clinic where she worked as an RN for 15 years.

Doris was a committed volunteer for the Red Cross blood drives and an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She had a compassionate spirit, always caring for others and visiting friends in nursing homes. Her family and friends were the center of her life, and she cherished the time spent with them.

Doris was pre-deceased by her husband S. Sam Zappala, her brother Herbert Johnson, and her twin brother Clifford Johnson. She is survived by her children John Zappala and his significant other Lauri Larson, Peter Zappala and his wife Lauren, Nancy Z. Pierson and her husband John, and Christopher Zappala and his wife Cathy Marshall. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Elizabeth Hockersmith (Jeffrey), Rebecca Zappala, Sarah O'Brien (Daniel), Grace Zappala, and Lincoln Zappala; and great-grandsons Henry Hockersmith, Leo Hockersmith, and Jack O'Brien. Doris also leaves behind her sister in laws Emily Pasquill and Charlotte Johnson, four nieces, four nephews, and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held on October 4th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 9 West Wheelock Street, Hanover, NH 03755-1710.

An on-line guestbook can be found at rand-wilson.com