Marie Elaine Zizza, age 74, of Marshfield and a longtime Quincy resident, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 12, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel (McGrath) Kowalski. She was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School and went on to earn her degree in education from Boston State College.

Marie will always be remembered for her love, warmth, strength and generosity. Married for 50 years to her devoted husband, Elliott Zizza, her family was her greatest pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. A dedicated New England Patriots fan, she rarely missed watching football on Sundays.

Creative and talented, Marie had a lifelong passion for crafting, a gift she shared with her family—especially her grandchildren—as well as her students and fellow teachers. While living in her Quincy childhood home for nearly 60 years, Marie dedicated 27 years of her career to teaching preschool children in Milton, primarily at the Campbell School, where she touched countless young lives with her care and creativity.

Marie was the beloved wife of Elliott Zizza; devoted mother of Eric Zizza and his wife Elizabeth of Marshfield, John Zizza of Marshfield, and Lisa McSweeney and her husband Kevin of Bridgewater. She was the loving grandmother of five beautiful grandchildren: Emma, Elaine, Ava, Evan, and Sofia. She is also survived by her brothers Joseph Kowalski and his wife Carolyn of Weymouth, Paul Kowalski and his wife Linda of Holly Hill, FL, and Charles Kowalski and his wife Karen of Avon, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Marie’s memory to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via dana-farber.org/gift.

Marie’s kindness, creativity and love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE on Tuesday, August 19th from 4-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Agatha's Church on Wednesday, August 20th at 10:30AM. Interment at Blue Hill Cemetery. Family and friends invited.