Florence A. (Blanchard) Zell

ZELL, Florence A. (Blanchard) "Flossie"- Of Malden, October 14th. Devoted wife of the late Francis Mooney, Dennis Burke and Edward Zell. Beloved mother of Marilyn Mooney-Domoretsky and her husband Donald of Stoneham. Sister of the late William, Joseph, and John Blanchard; Mary LeFave; Anna Powell; Emma Kelley; Georgiana Brady; and Jessie Bond. Cherished grandmother of Donald Domoretsky, Jr. of Boston and Brian Domoretsky and Lisa Domoretsky of Stoneham. Also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born in Bell Neck, Nova Scotia (Yarmouth County) to Guillaume Blanchard and Genevieve Amirault, Florence followed many of her siblings to New England when she turned 21 years old.  She worked early on as a nannie and as a server at Patton’s Restaurant in Boston while learning English at night school. 

Florence later settled in Malden with her first husband, Frank Mooney of Medford, and their daughter, Marilyn.  She would often help care for her neighbors and their children in and around Maplewood Square.  Florence was also a faithful parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church and a long-time member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

At the age of 38, tragedy struck when Florence lost her husband and an unborn child on the same day.  She then returned to Nova Scotia with young Marilyn to grieve with friends and family.  During her time “down home”, Florence reconnected with the brother of her best friend – Dennis Burke – who she would later marry.

Florence was someone who endured and persevered through much heartbreak and loss in her life.  When she was younger, she survived passing through the windshield in a major car accident and was cured of Myasthenia gravis (a rare and typically incurable disease).  Florence also lost three husbands, 8 brothers and sisters, and countless friends and family members throughout her lifetime.

To help herself through the difficult times, Florence would faithfully pray (and lead others through) the Rosary.  She enjoyed her native Rappi Pie, the smell of cigars, and a glass of red wine.  Florence also loved playing Rummy 500 with her grandchildren and baking pies for her beloved friends and family.  Apple pie and Chicken Pie were her specialties.  

Florence’s family would like to thank Maplewood Place and Glen Ridge Nursing Home for the compassionate care that she received later in her life.  In particular, they would like to thank Florence’s dear friend, Julie Sbraccia-Manos, and the team at Glen Ridge – Marjorie, Vicky, and Wen – for all of their help and support.

Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral from the Carroll Funeral Home, 721 Salem Street, (Maplewood Square) MALDEN on Monday, October 21st at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, 770 Salem St., Malden at 10 o'clock. Visiting Hours in the Carroll Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-7 PM. Services will conclude with interment at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church or to Bread of Life, 54 Eastern Ave., Malden, MA 02148.

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