Judith (nee Durant) Zichelli of Verona passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2021 at the age of 83.
Judy was born in Moundsville, West Virginia, and moved to Paterson, N.J., as a child. She trained to be a nurse at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Paterson and also received a bachelor’s degree from Caldwell College. She spent many years as the school nurse at Our Lady of the Lake School until her retirement at age 70.
She met Michael Zichelli, Jr. at a college party and the two married and shared their lives together with much love and devotion. They settled in Verona and lovingly raised their four children. Judy is survived by her husband; children Mary Kathryn Kottke (Dane), Cara Zichelli, and Michael Zichelli, III (Lauren); grandchildren Christian Eikeland Kottke, Hannah Kottke, Ingrid Kottke, Samuel Zichelli, and Andrew Zichelli; son-in-law William D. Ryden, II; as well as many nieces, nephews, and “adopted” children. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Z. Ryden; brother John A. Durant, Jr. (beloved husband of Diane); sister BeaMary Durant Schmidt (Paul); and parents Bridget Conners Durant and John A. Durant.
Her kind and gentle manner will be missed by her many friends and all the lives that she touched during her lifetime. She was the consummate hostess and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her loved ones and actively participating Our Lady or the Lake’s parish community.
Relatives and friends are invited for a viewing at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove Avenue, Montclair, on April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church at 22 Lakeside Avenue in Verona on Friday, April 23 at 11 a.m. Facial masks and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Minette’s Angels or Our Lady of the Lake parish.
How I loved Mrs Zichelli! For us kids growing up on Montclair Ave, she was like another mother – watching after and taking care of us. Always with a smile and a kind word. When I went flying off their sidewalk into the woods on my bike, Mrs Zichelli was first on the scene and as with so many, provided love and care. Many years later Lisa and Mrs Z came to visit Moravian college where I was attending and I remember a laughter filled afternoon in the lunch room with childhood memories and thinking how we were all grown up. When we had moved back to Verona several years ago I was so delighted to run into the Zichelli’s at church, they were still such a handsome couple and so interested in the well-being of all the Citrano’s. When I shared that I had just been diagnosed with cancer Mrs Z was so supportive and kind. And we talked about Lisa and I thought how hard it must be for them to have lost her at such a young age. And now Lisa and Mrs Z are together once again and in the Lords care. RIP Mrs Zichelli. You are greatly loved!
My deepest sympathies to Mike and family. Judy was a real seeetheart with t kindest soft spoken voice. She was always so comforting when she gave me my flu shot. I worked in the cafe at OLL and always enjoyed her company at many of our school functions. My thoughts and prayers may she Rest In Peace. Maria Matullo❤️