MARIE ZANI
Marie Elizabeth (Freund) Zani left this earthly life on June 30, 2023. She had used her heart to love so much, it finally gave out. Marie was 81, eight decades of memories and sunsets, living life to the fullest. It seems like so many, 81 years, yet it’s hardly enough. Is it ever? Marie was born on Aug. 20, 1941, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, to Julia (Sanovich) and Carl Freund, named for her own treasured grandmother. She grew up on a farm “up the road” from Bridgeport, Ohio, where part of the property was known as Milk’s Hill, overlooking all the surrounding river valley. It’s now called Will’s Hill, in memory of her brother Will, who was killed in action in Vietnam. She met Charles Zani, her husband of nearly 60 years, on a country road near the farm. They had their first date on New Year’s Eve 1962 and were wed at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Bridgeport on Aug. 24, 1963, with a reception afterwards at the farm. Six decades of marriage followed, including the rise of “The Zani Six,” as we were billed when starring in home movies. Of course, there were more than six, far more, in Marie’s full and wonderful life. Add another six for the grandchildren, who got all of grandma’s love, attention, and chocolate whenever she’d see them. Siblings, nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbors, friends — Marie loved and was loved by so many.
We deeply cherished our mom-Marie. She embraced life and loved to laugh — a true guffaw not infrequently making its escape. At times fierce and feisty, she also could be thoughtful and quiet. She had an independent streak and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, at a time when society didn’t always look kindly on women who did so. That made her brave beyond measure, showing by example the importance of being true to oneself. Things we remember: swimming at Barkcamp and Wheeling Park pool, movies at the old Court Theatre, long walks to everywhere, road trips in “the green machine,” popcorn on Fridays (except during Lent!), cookouts and kickball, “Charlie Brown” trees, renaming our street “Starlight Drive,” snoring (sorry, mom!), humming, pastel shirts, “Mariken” the farmer’s daughter, Vir-Mir-Car and Jul trading letters pre-cell phone days, the top of Mount Crumpit, crocheting, fresh cabbage rolls, coffee cake, solar laundry dryer, Bug Tower, bucket hats, penny slots, “rabbit- rabbit,” tales of cruises and travels taken, hugs, love and laughter to the end. Things she showed us: unwavering support, honesty, joy, kindness, hard work, respect, zest for life, perseverance, just a touch of sneakiness, and yet more love and laughter. Marie was nothing if not many things, a full, fun, rich, generous, purposeful, caring, dedicated mother who loved us profoundly and did not hesitate to tell us. Above all, she loved Charlie, more than any word can say.
Marie is survived by her husband, Charles Zani, and her children Carl Zani (Barbara), Andrea Zani (Greg Sprout), Cathy Forsyth and Pete Zani, plus six grandchildren: Courtney and Ashley Zani, Zoe and Will Sprout, and Mackenzie Forsyth and Natalie Arnold (Keishi). She also is survived by her sisters, Caroline Hackenberg and Julie Froble, brother Joe Freund, and siblings-in-law Richard Zani (Pat) and Virginia Adams. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Julia Freund; in-laws Peter and Anna (Tarter) Zani; siblings Virginia Hellrigel and William Freund; brothers-in- law Bill Hackenberg, Ron Froble and Joe Adams; and other loved ones. Visitation is planned for Friday, July 14, 2023, 2-4 and 6-8, Prayer service at 2pm, at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd., Bridgeport. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 630 Maple St., Bridgeport, Fr. John Mucha officiating.
In the mind’s eye, there exists a simple, beautiful, perfect day. The sun is shining, the temperature is just right. You’re a “Zani kid” in Sunset Heights, off to play in the neighborhood. Oblivious to the passage of time, you’re focused on whatever game you’re playing or activity you’re engaged in — kick the can, freeze tag, fixing up the play shed, bikes at “the circle,” examining tadpoles in a puddle. As dusk approaches, a familiar voice suddenly carries through the trees. “Carl, Andrea, Cathy, Peter! Time for supper!” You race home, hoping to be the first of the four sibs to get there and be greeted by the warmth and love (and food!) that awaits. This was the dinner-bell call of our beloved mother, which sent a message that rang true throughout her life: Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, you are needed, you are loved; come, let’s be together to share this moment in time. Now, just as suddenly as her voice rose to call her children home for dinner– and to our heartbreak evermore — Marie herself has been called home.
To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneral homes.com.