Zapata, Maryellen (Courtney) of Quincy, died on November 11, 2009 surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 50 years old.
The beloved wife of 30 years to Richard F. Zapata. Loving mother of James M. Zapata and Richard J. Zapata both of Quincy. Cherished daughter of Ann (Smiddy) Courtney of Plymouth and the late James Courtney. Devoted sister of Julia Courtney of Cambridge and David Courtney of Duxbury. Daughter in law of Angela Zapata of Quincy. Sister in law of Roselle Riley of Medford and Carl Zapata of Quincy. Maryellen is also survived by 4 nephews and 1 niece and many dear friends.
Maryellen grew up in Dover. She attended Dover- Sherborn High School and graduated from Boston College - Class of 1981. She moved to Quincy in 1988 and raised her family. Maryellen was the Director of Social Services at the Neponset Health Center in Dorchester for more than 21 years. She enjoyed the simple things in her life, her garden, the beach, the arts, fine wine, traveling and spending time with her family. She will be remembered as an intelligent, caring woman who had a great sense of humor. Maryellen will be sadly missed by all those who were blessed to have known her.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours Monday 4-8pm in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., Quincy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, prior to the Funeral Mass in Saint Ann's Church, Quincy at 10 AM.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maryellen may be made to Gastrointestinal Cancer Center c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, MED ONC GCC, 10 Brookline Place, Boston, MA 02445.