1953 - 2023
Visitation
January 9, 20233-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Funeral
January 10, 202310 A.M.
St. Catherine of Alexandria, 107 North Main St., Westford
Louise Marie (Zinka) Marinilli, 69, of Westford, MA died Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Concord Hospital in Laconia, NH following a brief illness.
She was married to her beloved husband Anthony S. Marinilli for over 41 years.
Born in Boston, MA and raised in Medford, she was the daughter of the late John Zinka and the late Frances (Kleponis) Zinka.
She graduated from Arlington Catholic High School in Arlington, MA as a member of the class of 1971. She is a graduate of Salem State College, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She also earned a master’s degree as a Certified Reading Specialist.
She is best remembered in the Westford community for over 20 years of work with Westford Pre-School. There, she worked as an aide, teacher, and director before her retirement in 2018. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher in Bedford Public Schools in Bedford, MA. Over her many years in education, she touched the lives of countless children and families.
She was an active member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Blessed Trinity Parish, also serving as a Eucharistic Minister.
Louise loved the summer and enjoyed going to beaches in Maine and Cape Cod, as well as the family lake house in New Hampshire. She loved spending time boating, reading, fishing, and cooking, along with hosting holiday and special celebrations for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious laughter, and kind heart.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her cherished daughters, Diane Ferris and husband Darrell of Bolton, MA; Andrea Marinilli and husband Leo Rusinov of Acton, MA; Laura Treseler and husband Kevin of Grafton, MA; her siblings, John Zinka and wife Kathleen Campbell of Exeter, NH; Susan Glynn and husband Joseph of Abington, MA; Michael Zinka and wife Barbara of Derry, NH; two grandchildren Ryan and Adrienne Ferris, and baby boy Treseler on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Donations in Louise’s name may be made to Westford Pre-School or the charity of your choice.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Monday, January 9 from 3-7PM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral Tuesday, January 10 at 10AM at St. Catherine of Alexandria in the Blessed Trinity Parish, 107 North Main St., Westford. Burial at St. Catherine Cemetery following the service. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Linda Ordway & Richard Pfeiff
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To everyone who knew and loved Louise, our hearts break for all of you. Sending warm hugs and prayer to the extended family and community that has always been the foundation of Louise’s heart and guided her soul. We will always remember her kindness, smile, and family values.
Michelle Metivier
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I am saddened by this news. Mrs Marinilli will forever be remembered for her warm smile and big hugs as I entered the doors at Westford PreSchool with my 3 daughters (who are now 19, 16 and 13). We shared lots of chats and family stories during those years..her pride and love of family emanated strongly. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to her family.
Danielle Nutter
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It is a great loss to know that Louise has past. Louise helped me and my family in so many ways when we truly needed it. She helped to guide us where to look and how to help. My family is at a better place thanks to the kindness of Louise and all she did to help us. When my daughter was at Westford Public Preschool at St.Marks with Louise at the director she went above and beyond to make sure to say hi to all the kids and families. I always felt very welcome and never judged. I’m truely grateful to have known her and have been blessed. Rest in the sweetest heaven Louise you deserve that and so much more. To her family I hope this time of grieving you can think of all the good times so the loss is not as hard. R.I.P. xo
Suzann Pillion
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I am so saddened to hear this news. Louise was the warmest, friendliest and kindest woman I know. She greeted all 3 of my kids (now 19, 17 and 13) at the preschool doors with a huge hello and warm embrace. She was genuine and sincere and always interested in the children whom she loved so much. My family will fondly remember attending her retirement party and the joy she took in seeing everyone who came to celebrate that occasion. I can’t imagine the hole she is leaving with her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Deepest sympathies.
Ann Finn Detlefs
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I will always remember the fun I had with Louise working on the Middle School plays at Blanchard. She was always smiling, energetic, and ready to get down to work. Her love for her daughters shone from her face every time she looked their way, and she was always in their corner. Westford has lost a beloved presence.
JEANNE O'CONNOR
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The laugh, how Louise would laugh. Even at herself and certainly at the predicaments of life. Her love for her girls and everyone else’s children was a guiding principle for her. As a producer of Blanchard Musicals she made sure that every kid looked and felt like a star. She will be missed but never, ever forgotten.
Betty Perrone
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Louise was by far the friendliest and kindest person I ever encountered in Westford. She was an absolute love. She was my daughter Emily’s first preschool teacher (along with the awesome Deb Sullivan) and we all fell in love with her. She was quick to laugh and witty and funny and all-around a solid woman. People referred to her as the “Mayor of Westford” because she knew, literally, EVERYONE. Louise, I love you and will miss you and pray for you and your beautiful family. Thank you for everything you did for WPS and Blanchard Stony Brook Productions. We all loved you so, so much. xoxoxo Betty Perronee
Bridget Peterson
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Louise was one of the first people I met when we moved to Westford 11 years ago. She knew exactly what I needed to feel comfortable leaving my daughter at school for the first time. My deepest condolences to her whole family.
Jaye Russo
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Louise was lovely in every way possible….. keeping her wonderful family in prayer as they mourn the loss of this very special woman! The world has lost a bright light!
Lorraine Butler
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She is now resting in peace
Jackie Boyle
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The kindest, funniest and most genuine person in Westford. Louise always put family first. She brought a smile to all she encountered. What a devastating loss to her family and the Westford community. We will miss you dear?
Joseph Dalessio
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Louise will forever be fondly remembered for the kind, funny and gentle person she was…our families grew up together in the St. Joseph’a Grenadiers Band in the 60’ and early 70’s and the Chi-Ro in the mid seventies…sad to hear this news, best wishes to her family and friends for a lifetime of fond memories of Louise. ???
Joe Paradis
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John Z. and family, my sincere condolences for the loss of your sister and every other loving family title by which you knew Louise. Find comfort in her legacy and goodness, knowing she is with God. Peace. Joe P.
Ilene and Ken Hill
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Tony and family, we are sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Mary and Paul (Smith) Cunningham
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Louise’s dad, John was my godfather and I have many great memories of good times at the house in Medford playing with the “little ones” (I was the oldest of the kids). Louise was always so sweet and cute. My parents, Mary and Joe Smith, were very close friends with Johnny and Franny; I remember them in team hockey shirts playing in their league. Our family of Smiths (Carol and Marty, all the grandchildren and greats, send our loving condolences. God Bless you all.
Ray Lucas
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Tony, it’s been a long time, but I saw Louise’s obituary and had to send my condolences. We go back so far that I remember when the two of you started dating. I am so sorry for your loss and send my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Linda Butler
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Oh, Louise, your hen friends are devasted. What will we do without your generous hugs, your kindness, generosity, and your deep love for each of us? With whom will we sing our old TV show theme songs? Our problem-solving chats about raising families were always a feel-better moment throughout the past 40+ years. However, we do hope you have now been in touch with Theresa and are planning a heavenly hen get-together! You will always be in our hearts.
Lisa Dushais
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What a great loss to her big and beautiful family that she treasured so much.
My heartfelt condolences.
4 of my 5 grandchildren ( youngest attends now), were lucky enough to attend Westford PreSchool while Louise was there.
My entire family mourns her loss.
It never ceased to amaze me that no matter what she was doing, she put her whole self into being the best that she could be.
AND SHE WAS!!!
Thank you for the love, commitment and joy you showed our littles. We will forever be grateful?
Donna Molesky
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Diane and family I’m so very sorry for your loss. Johnny always told me how wonderful your family is and I just want you to know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Meech
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My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the whole Marinilli family. I first met Louise when Diane entered my first grade classroom at Nab School… my recollection was she was an amazing , loving parent and so supportive of the teachers working with her children. As the years went by, whenever we’d see each other she always had a huge smile and hug and was genuinely happy to catch up and let me know how the girls were doing in their respective classes . May you feel God’s comfort and peace in the days to come
Martin Blustine
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Dear Tony,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family in this time of grief. May Louise’s memory forever be a blessing for the good teachings that she leaves behind.
David Hursh
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Mrs. Marinilli was my 3rd grade teacher in 1983, and she was always the most positive, fun, and exciting teacher. She awarded a “Superstar of the Day” every day, and she always made sure that every kid eventually won, and all of us felt like real superstars when we went home and showed that certificate to our parents. She was a warm and wonderful teacher.