Martha "Martie" R. Zitelli

ZITELLI, MARTHA R. “Martie” (née Daum) - of Knoxville, TN was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Joseph A. Zitelli, her parents Edwin and Catherine Daum, and her sister Frances Yzuel.

She is survived by her devoted children Corrine Renault (Jon) of Knoxville, TN, Joseph K. Zitelli (Bobbie) of Powell, TN, and Christopher Zitelli (Jacqueline) of Wellington, FL; her grandchildren Paul, Lauren, Chace, Faith, Angelina, and Isabella; her great grandchildren Perry Joseph, and Miles; her sister Annette Markakis, brother Edwin Daum, her sister-in-law Yolanda Zitelli and many nieces and nephews.

Martie married the love of her life, Joe on April 27, 1963, in Bethpage, New York. This union began a life filled with possibility for this young couple. Their adventures led them to forge lifetime friendships to this very day. Martie and Joe built a life guided by faith and simplicity. Their pursuits led them to a farm in West Virginia; then Florida, Long Island, Fairport, New York, and ultimately, Knoxville, Tennessee. Life may not have always been easy, but it certainly was interesting.

Martie was a parishioner at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church in Knoxville. When she was in better health, she volunteered at The Ladies of Charity and Volunteer Ministries.

Martie was appropriately named for St. Martha, the Patron Saint of Homemakers. Nothing made her happier than to care for her family. She found great joy in service to others. Martie was the consummate hostess. She was frequently in the kitchen whipping up a new recipe she found on YouTube. Heavenly aromas lofted through the air, beckoning guests to stay a while and partake. When she wasn’t cooking, she was cleaning. Her family would often tease her about owning 5 different vacuum cleaners in various states of disrepair (and she wouldn’t part with a single one).

She loved to entertain friends and family at home. Many guests were invited to share the fruits of her labor. She loved hosting Mahjong club at home. In fact, she might have enjoyed preparing for Mahjong almost as much as playing. She readied her home as one might prepare for a holiday feast. Her eyes danced as each player arrived, eager to share a smile, a snack, and story with friends.

Martie will also be missed by her two cats, Sam and Bo and her Grand-dog Mr. Ripley.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday November 12, 2025, at 1:30 pm at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church, 7200 Brickey Ln, Knoxville, TN 37918. Entombment will follow at 3pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Martie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.