Marie E. Ziolkowski

Marie E. (Farrell) Ziolkowski, affectionately known to many as "Pinky" or "Mrs. Z," passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025, at the remarkable age of 94. She now reunites with her cherished late husband, Bernard Ziolkowski.

Born in Providence Rhode Island, Marie had deep Celtic roots and was a descendant of Irish immigrants from counties Longford and Clare. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Patrick Farrell and Elizabeth Hope (Emmel) Farrell, brother Thomas P. Farrell, sisters Betty (Babe) Tranghese, Jane McCarthy and Patricia Schissler, and her son Alfred J. Reall III.

Pinky was a young resilient mother to five dynamic children; Elizabeth (Betty) Sepe (Bob), the late Alfred Reall, Claire Duckworth, Susan Salvato and Maryanne Reall Bianic (Jean Camille). She became a stepmother to Bernie’s four adult children. She was “Nana” and “Great Nana” to four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was “Aunty Pinky” to her Godchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was a dear friend to many.

Marie courageously embraced various roles throughout her life; right out of high school she became a New England Telephone operator working the night shift. Later, she supported her family as an administrative assistant for Mastercard and St Joseph’s Hospital. In midlife, Marie, alongside Bernie, embarked on a new adventure in Sarasota, Florida, where she found joy in the sunshine and her most fulfilling professional calling. In the Sarasota School Department, from which she eventually retired, she became "Mrs. Z" to a generation of students and colleagues. She often recounted heartwarming stories of the connections she forged there.

Beyond her professional and family life, Marie dedicated over five decades to a life-changing and deeply personal non-profit spiritual organization contributing countless hours to its mission.

Marie loved to travel. She crisscrossed New England and the United States visiting family and friends. She experienced exotic destinations such as Aruba and Bermuda and she traveled abroad to Greece. Her Irish eyes would be smiling when she enjoyed fresh seafood, Newport Creamery coffee ice cream, a good cup of coffee and a piece of homemade pie. She loved to write, talk on the phone and always enjoyed a “mind bending” detective show. She found comfort watching Catholic Mass on TV.

What many will remember most about Marie is her infectious humor, and her candid ability to "tell it like it is”, a quality that even brought laughter to her nursing staff in her final days. For others, it will be the profound spiritual wisdom she so generously shared that will leave an indelible mark.

Deepest gratitude to family members who offered assistance, from direct care and advocacy to managing her affairs, your support and contributions provided constant reassurance. Finally, to all family, relatives and friends; your visits, phone calls and thoughtful cards warmed her heart and were a source of deep comfort.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Marie “ Pinky” on Friday May 8th at 11:00 am at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett RI. As a tribute to her memory, we encourage you to wear something “pink” if you are inspired to do so!

For more information you may contact Maryanne at [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider a donation to either of these organizations that were near and dear to her.

St Elizabeth Community

One Saint Elizabeth Way

East Greenwich RI, 02818

https://stelizabethcommunity.org/giving-support/donate-now/

AFG Inc.

1600 Corporate Landing Parkway

Virginia Beach, VA 23454

https://al-anon.org/contributions/non-member/