Virginia M. Zarella, a lifelong resident of Woburn passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Thursday, June 30, 2022, following a short period of declining health. She was 89. Virginia was the beloved wife of the late Anthony J. "Babe" Zarella. Born in Woburn she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Despina (Tsagaropoulos) Pappas.
Born and raised in Woburn, Virginia was a 1950 graduate of Woburn High School. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Virginia was a nurturing caregiver always putting the needs of others before her own. She devoted herself not only to caring for her husband and children but was a caregiver for her mother, mother-in-law and several extended family members and friends. She cherished her role as mother and grandma, her home was always the hub of activity in the neighborhood where all the kids would hang out and gather together. In her leisure time she enjoyed attending bingo and playing Mah-Jongg with friends. She will be fondly remembered for her unwavering devotion to and unconditional love of her family. She will be greatly missed.
Virginia was the devoted mother of Deborah Dube and her husband Richard of Newburyport, Denise Miller and her husband Kevin of Townsend, and the late Michael Zarella. She was the loving grandma of Michael Zarella Jr. and his wife Caroline, Jennifer Keys and her husband Chris, Jacqueline Zarella and her fiancé Paul Craig, Tony Zarella and his wife Lauren, Tiffany Zarella, Joe Dube and his girlfriend Sarah Sallan, Mark Dube and his wife Melissa, Tony Dube, Rachel Palmer and her husband Tim, Kevin Miller Jr., Amanda Miller and her boyfriend Ryan Rose. She is also survived by 9 cherished great grandchildren. Sister of Robert Pappas of Woburn, Rita Caleshu of FL, the late Sophie Hamilton, Helen Connolly, Teddy, Peter, George and Jimmy Pappas. Further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Friday, July 8th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Virginia's memory to the charity of one's choice.