Sallie Marie Kees

Sallie Marie Kees, 52, went to be with the Lord on September 5, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Maria was born in Norfolk, Virginia the daughter of the late Guglielmo and Maria Pugliese Zappia.

She was someone who loved her garden; and took great pride in her flowers. Marie was kind and caring and always had a smile for everyone she met. She was a thoughtful person, helping to take care of her elderly neighbor. Marie was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Ashleigh Nichole; and step-brother, John Zappia. Marie was a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend who will be deeply missed by everyone.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 20 years, Michael K. Kees; sons, David Swain and Isaac Swain; brother, William Zappia; step-mother, Adrienne Zappia; and step-sister, Aline Zappia, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 9, 2012 from 6 – 8 p.m. in Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10 a.m. in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the local American Cancer Society in Marie’s name.