Margaret Zanella

Margaret Mary Christofaro Zanella, Maggie, of Miami, Florida, and formerly of Narragansett, Rhode Island, peacefully left this earth on Friday, October 25, 2024, lovingly surrounded by her family.

Maggie was a force, a beautiful firecracker, a sparkler, the life of every party. She had that certain “je ne sais quois” that served her well in her life. Her generosity was unmatched, and her kindness was legendary. Maggie never met a stranger, ever.

She was one of eight children and was born during a time of great economic strife and world turmoil. She survived the infamous 1938 hurricane in the drawer of a dresser on the second floor of the family home. As a young girl, she would regularly put on her mother’s high heels, pack a cotton sack, and trek to the railroad dinky to run away, only to return home before the sun set.

She was a loving wife and partner to her beloved Bruno and stood by him as he opened and successfully ran his own business. She was a strong and dedicated mother who taught her three daughters and one son the importance of working hard, giving back, volunteering, and making a difference in this life. Maggie was a strong, hard-working, resolute, and tenacious woman who was dedicated to her family, especially her four children.

She was born on May 9, 1937, and was raised by her mother, Mary Theresa Vigue Christofaro, her father Dominic H. Christofaro, and countless aunts and neighbors, as was often the case during those difficult years – they knew back then that it takes a village.

Maggie was a Girl Scout Leader, a Cub Scout Leader, and worked three jobs at any one time. She was a member of the PTA, an avid bowler on a local bowling league, a fan of the roller derby, and loved John Wayne movies and Walker Texas Ranger.

The Zanella house always had an “open door” to welcome family, neighbors, and friends any time of day or night. You would always find Maggie listening to Bruno play his accordion and enjoying a Gin and Tonic. They hosted one of the Tall Ships during the 1976 bicentennial celebration, and scientists from Russia who were studying at the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus.

All the family holidays were at the Zanella house, a legacy that she passed on to her children. To Maggie, her children were the most important part of her life. She loved her daughters Nina, Rose, and Beth and her son, Atturro.

Maggie also loved a variety of music. Just a few of her favorites included Twilight Time by The Platters, Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John, Just a Gigolo by David Lee Roth, and London Calling by The Clash. Her taste crossed many genres.

Maggie was predeceased by her husband Richard Robert Zanella (Bruno), her father and mother, Mary and Dominic Christofaro, and her brothers and sister Dominic Christofaro (Marie), Mary Thomas (William), Joe Christofaro (Jeannine), John Christofaro (Roberta), and Thomas Christofaro (Elizabeth). She is survived by her daughter, Nina Zanella, and her husband Thomas Rodman of Miami (whom she resided with for the past seven years), Rose Zanella Albright and Beth Ann Zanella of Rhode Island, and Atturro P. Zanella of Long Beach, California. She was the proud grandmother of Sharon DeMaria and her husband Craig, Leland Albright and his wife Kayla, Becky Albright, Jake Zuercher and his wife Amber, and Missy Flynn. And let us not forget the great grandchildren Embeth DeMaria, Autumn Brooks, Alex Portio, Maria Portio, and Patrick Flynn. Maggie is also survived by her siblings Christine Koebel (Carl) and Dennis Christofaro (Pamela), and her beloved niece Jennie Christofaro (David Cheek) and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Maggie will be missed beyond measure, but we know that we will be together again. Fly high, dear Maggie – Mom, Gigi, Great Gigi, Sister, Aunt, and friend.

Services will be held in Rhode Island in September 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Deering Estate Foundation, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.