Marianna J. Zangara, 79, passed away on June 7, 2025, after courageously battling cancer for several months.

Marianne was born to Antonina and Salvatore Zangara on March 22, 1946. She graduated from Saint Jean Baptiste High School and the Mandle School for Medical Assistants in New York City. She was certified as both a laboratory technician and a medical assistant. Her career spanned a variety of positions in both a clinical and laboratory setting. For many years, she worked with the practice of a prominent physician who was a professor at Cornell University Medical College. After moving to New Jersey, she held different laboratory positions, ultimately retiring from Employee Health Services of St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ.

Marianne was predeceased by her parents and her "adopted" niece, Kelly Moyer Artale.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Zangara, and his wife, Josephine; her beloved nieces, Lisa Zangara-Bogle (Thomas), and Lauren Nicola (Richard), and her great-nieces, Sarah Bogle and Jillian Nicola, and great-nephew, Marco Nicola, all of New Jersey. She is also survived by Jeanette Centamore Morisak of California and Angela LaGrasta of New York, her first cousins, whom Marianne regarded as sisters, having bonded growing up together in New York.

Marianne is also survived by her dearest friend and life-long companion, Michele ("Mickey") Barbero, whose extended family became Marianne's extended family: Joyce and Danny Moyer; Wayne Moyer (Clelia "CJ "), their children Taylor, Casey and Joseph; Ross Artale (Diana) and children Ross Junior (RJ) Artale, Michael Artale, Anthony Artale, Bella Cohen and Zachary Cohen.

In addition, Marianne has survived many cherished friends who enriched her life immensely.

Marianne had the ability to instantly make others feel at ease with her warmth and cheerful disposition, which was sprinkled with a self-deprecating sense of humor. She brought these gifts to her career, reassuring patients, and in her personal life, everyone was fond of "Aunt Mare". She took notice and delighted in ordinary things, yet was also intellectually curious, keeping abreast of current events. A lively and engaged conversationalist, she immensely enjoyed discussions around the table on a variety of topics. The hobbies Marianne enjoyed over her life were varied, ranging from tennis to crossword puzzles to Candy Crush.

There is nothing Marianne would not do for her family and friends. She lovingly cared for her own mother until her death in 1985. She was a confidant who would listen patiently and without judgment. She remembered everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events; even while hospitalized and weakened from her treatment, cards written in her Catholic school-trained penmanship arrived in the mail —and they were timely!

Marianne is a sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth and joy will be deeply missed but whose love, support, and memories will be cherished for years to come.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial immediately followed by the interment of cremains on Monday, June 16, at 10:45 a.m., held at All Saints Chapel at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, 30 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759. Friends and family are invited to the repast at The Waterfront, 361 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Marianne's memory to the American Cancer Society or to the ASPCA.