Dear "Z",

When I called you on Sunday May 23, 2010, I expected our usual 5 hr. NY to ME chat and to coordinate my Maine vacation with you this summer. Instead, on the other end of the line was your dear Mr. Rico informing me that you were in Maine Med and why you were there. The lump in my throat and the knot in my stomach did not prevent me from telling Mr. Rico that I would pray. So I prayed and I prayed and I prayed. 

Then, on Sunday, May 30, 2010, I received a call from Mr. Rico, this time informing me that you had passed away, coincidentally, on my niece Katie's 21st birthday, May 28, 2010. A piece of my heart was ripped away. You traded in your walking legs for angel wings to fly to heaven. Mr. Rico ended up consoling me. He said he wouldn't have it any other way. 

Suddenly the past 21 years of having you in my life flashed before me. You began by helping a scared young lady who just moved to Portland and who didn't know a soul feel welcome. We became neighbors. From neighbors we became friends. From friends we became walking buddies. From walking buddies we became chocolate eating pals. From chocolate eating pals we became best friends. From best friends you became my confidant. Add them all together and you became my " Adopted Mom".

I am who I am today, in part, because of your love and guidance, laughter and tears, heart and soul . You saw me through some very happy and sad times in my life as well as many ups and downs. You always told me, "Emma, you are who you are (or in your New England accent, you ahh who you ahh). Don't ever let anyone try to change you. You teased me pretty good for my NY yankee accent too. You always encouraged me to keep the faith and to keep my chin up. That I did.

When I moved back to Niagara Falls to care for my aging parents, you told me that I would always be part of your family and always welcome in your home. You always held true to that. I relished every visit to Maine thereafter with you. You are the reason that Maine is my second home today.

I will be turning 50 on June 9th and you promised me that you'd see me through menopause. You said, "piece of cake Emma,  ha ha". What am I to do? Now when I need you, I will look towards the heavens and pray. I know you will be listening as you always have. My vacations in Maine now will be spent visiting our old neighborhoods, walking our favorite spots ( Rustic Lane, Auburn Street, Freeport, OOB, Popham beach etc..) watching the Golden Girls, eating lobster and tuna fish and of course CHOCOLATE!. Many wonderful memories.

I promise that I will be extra good and on my best behavior so God will let me in heaven when it is time. Then I will join you and my daddy and this time we will be walking together on clouds for eternity. Until then, I will continue to take care of my Mom and my sister Mary as promised. Until we meet again...

I will miss you with all my heart. I love you, Joan Z. Always and forever, Emma ( Auntie Em).

Joan, I will never forget the love and kindness you always had for me and my family throughout the years. You will forever be missed.  Nanette, Jeff & Benjamin

Goodbye J-Bird, we will miss the stories and your wonderful sense of humor.  The world is not the same without you.

Love, Alyssa and Rob

You were the World's Greatest Fairy Godmother and I will miss you more than words can say!

Love,
Lisa

Joan Marie Marie... you were a part of my life for too short a time but with an enormous impact.  Thank you for welcoming me into your life.  I will miss you.

My sister my sister, I can't tell you how much I am going to miss you.  There's going to be a big hole in my day, as well as my heart, when I can't speak to you and hear your wonderful laughter.  You were so kind, understanding and insightful, I am going to miss our daily conversations.  I know you're up there with Ma now.  I hope you always knew how much I loved and respected you.  Save me a seat too.  Your loving Bet

My dear sister Joan,you were a wonderful sister.Your kind and loving ways and your generous nature have always meant so much to me.If I could wish for anything,its that I hope I was as dear to you as you always were to me. I will miss you more then word could say.I hope we meet again in heaven,save me a seat.Much Love your sister Louise.

OBITUARY

Joan Marie Curley Zorrilla

April 5, 1932 – May 28, 2010

Lindquist Funeral Home

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