Marie Blanda

On the morning of Tuesday, September 13, 2016, in Boca Raton, Florida, Marie peacefully passed over into the loving arms of her heavenly husband, Anthony. Marie was 87 years old. Marie was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 4, 1929. She was the second child of Frank Primato and Anna Primato (Birbiglia).

Marie was a lover of life, family, and friends. A people person, Marie was happiest when she involved herself with community. From managing carnivals for St. Malachy Catholic School, the school her two eldest daughters attended in Brooklyn, New York, to being president of the Italian-American Club in Kings Isle, a 55+ adult community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Marie always engaged in organizing events and helping others.

Marie was a working mom, as well. With exceptional customer service skills, every job allowed her to be of assistance to clients. She worked at East New York Savings Bank in Brooklyn, New York as a teller; Sears department store in Smithtown, New York as a telephone consultant; and Pools Plus in Smithtown, New York as a store manager and sales associate.

Marie also loved to travel. She visited Europe twice and often shared how entranced she was with the magnificent churches of Italy and the picturesque island of Sicily. Cruising, however, was Marie’s favorite mode of travel. Visiting Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean multiple times a year, Marie truly enjoyed every moment of her life.

When Marie was not traveling, she enjoyed the many clubs she was a member of in Kings Isle, including the drama club! Marie was also an accomplished bowler – winning many trophies on numerous leagues, including leagues in New York, Virginia, and Florida. Marie’s competitive nature did not stop there – she loved weekly bingo and played cards every day. She did, on occasion, have quiet time - she was an avid reader – with romantic novels topping the list, and she loved to crochet blankets, especially as gifts for the military men and women of our country!

Marie was a woman of faith. As a devout Catholic, she volunteered service and shared in the Eucharist every Sunday. Most of all, Marie was a woman of family. She especially adored her grandchildren – all nine of them – Gina, Albert, Anthony, and Jason Zingariello; Brian, Kristofer, and Casey Lanza (Owens); Amanda and Taylor Posik; and her first great-grandchild, Madison Owens.

In addition to her beautiful grandchildren, Marie is survived by her loving daughters, Paulette Owens, Denise Zingariello, and Toni Ann Posik, and her brother, Anthony Primato.

Marie was blessed with many friends and a family who loved her. She created many rich memories in which her family can treasure, and she can now rest in peace knowing she fulfilled her dreams and is back in the arms of the love of her life, Anthony Blanda!

Florida Celebration: A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 370 SW 3rd St, Boca Raton, FL 33432

New York Celebration: A graveside gathering and memorial service for Marie is planned at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 183 Mt. Pleasant Road, Smithtown, New York, 11787. Please join us to share prayers, poems, and memories.