MaryJo “MJ” Zarella, 68, of Lowell, MA, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Northwood Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with FTD (Frontal Temporal Degeneration). She is survived by her loving husband Normand Zarella with whom she celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on November 5th.
Born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, MaryJo was the daughter of the late Jose Cunha and Maria Silva. She was a proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1974.
MaryJo dedicated much of her life to the community, working with the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell, and she also worked as an administrative assistant at Lil Peach headquarters. She also worked for Bull Electronics as a Cultural assistant and organized a golf league for them. She was a devoted communicant of both St. Anne’s Church in N. Billerica and St. Anne’s Church in Lowell. Additionally, she had received a certificate from The Daughters of the Revolutionary War.
A woman of many passions, MaryJo enjoyed painting, decorating and tending to her garden, where she found joy and solace. She also enjoyed playing golf with family & friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother, deeply devoted to her family.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons, Sean Zarella and his fiancé Kayla & her sons Tyler & Ryan of Milford, NH; Stephen Zarella and his wife Claire of Georgetown, TX; her three grandchildren, Landon Zarella, Gavin Zarella, and Dylan Zarella; father-in-law Albert Zarella of North Billerica, MA; and many cousins who will miss her dearly.
She was also the mother of the late Christopher Zarella, whose memory she cherished and the daughter-in-law of the late Shirley Zarella.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of MaryJo Zarella in support of the Frontotemporal Disorders Unit at Mass General and mailed to the Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, Attention: Michael Johnson.
Donations can also be made online at giving.massgeneral.org/donate; please be sure to indicate that the gift is a tribute gift in memory of MaryJo Zarella.
MaryJo will be remembered for her kind heart, her love of family, and the beauty she brought to the world through her work, her faith, and her passions.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 7-9PM at MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 PRINCETON BLVD., LOWELL, MA. Funeral Sunday, February 16, 2025 2PM at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church N. Billerica, MA Interment following. Memorials may be made in her name to St. Anne’s Church N. Billerica, MA. ARRANGEMENTS BY MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME 978-458-6841. Guestbook at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com.
21 responses to “MaryJo “MJ” Zarella of Lowell, MA”
I am very saddened to hear about Mary Joe’s passing. We worked together many years ago and were great friends, she was a great person. My condolences to Norm and the boys.
Deb Ludwig
A kind and loving woman, she graced the lives of all who knew her.
So very sorry for your loss. Mary Jo & I were friends when we both lived on Chapel St . I have many fond memories of time spent with her growing up together.
May she Rest In Peace .
I’m sorry to here about MJ..
My condolences to Norman and the Zarrella family..
Got to know MJ and Norman through Need-A-Lift transportation LLC.As I transported her back and forth to her program in Lowell.. have a few fond memories..
So sorry Norman..
She was kind and funny. Looked forward to her call every Monday morning
Norm, My thoughts and prayers are with you, your boys and your entire family. MJ was a kind and loving person, always with a smile on her face. Even while sick, she knew how loved she was. May she rest in peace. Nancy Weber
Such a beautiful woman … fond memories of times at St Anne’s especially when we all went up at the same time for our anniversary blessings . Prayers and hugs sent to Norm and the boys
I went to Lowell High School with MaryJo remember her shopping at Lemkins. We always went for coffee at Pewter Pot in Tewksbury
Norm & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. MJ was a very happy and pleasant woman. May she RIP
Norm and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Meike
So sorry for your loss. I remember her from chapel st. May she rest in peace now.
Dear Norm:
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy McCarthy
MJ, look down on your family and rest in peace. My condolences to Norm and the rest of the family in this time of grieving.
Dear Norm and family: Our deepest condolences. We met the two of you at St. Anne’s in Lowell and were blessed by your friendship. MJ greeted everyone with a smile and hug and made her presence so welcoming. She’s now swinging to the music generated by the angels. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about this. MJ was a lovely person. Norm and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of MJ’s passing, Norm, My condolences to you and your family on your loss. Great seeing both of you enjoying concerts at Boarding House Park. May MJ rest in peace.
I served 12 years in the armed forces with Norm and never met a more beautiful woman in my life with such a personality may you rest in peace MJ you will be surely missed Godspeed
If only I could find the right words… Norm may have been my connection to his amazing wife, but she welcomed me into her home and offered her friendship. Thank you MJ for being a beautiful sole. I wish you peace and love in your new journey
Norm I’m so sorry for your loss. May happiness and peace find you in your journeys.
Norm, very sorry again for your loss. It was good to see you, Stephen and Sean at the wake. MJ was a sweet soul, always kind to everyone and you both were blessed to have the love you shared till the end. May her soul rest in perfect peace!
To Norm,
I’m terribly sorry for the tragic loss of MJ! It’s been quite some time, so it’s a shock to come across the news. Please take comfort that she has reunited with Chris and in the many wonderful moments you both shared as a beautiful couple. MJ will always be within you; true love lasts forever. May MJ rest in the sweetest peace with perpetual light shining upon her. She’s finally free from the suffering. My deepest condolences and very best to you my man, God bless.
Warm Regards,
Ken (Former Fellow St. Anne’s Lowell parishioner)