On February 24, 2016

Community remembers Marzilli

By Christopher Biddle

Flowers were donated in memory of Donna Marzilli at the Shrewsbury Co-op at Pierce’s Store, where Marzilli worked.

By Christopher Biddle

SHREWSBURY—Donna Marzilli worked at the Shrewsbury Co-op at Pierce’s Store for the past five years, where her loyal patrons say she was always cheerful, chatty, and more than willing to lend a hand.

Shrewsbury resident Martha Izzi said, “I had many encounters with Donna, usually after a frantic call [to the store]. She was always there, it seemed, and always accommodating, always willing to have a word. She usually found what I needed, or she suggested a substitute. I often liked a dress she had on and would ask where she found it. It usually came from some consignment store. She knew them all, and they were fun to talk about . . . To say that she was the heart of Pierce’s in my mind is not an overstatement.”

Weezie Duda, a co-op volunteer who occasionally prepares takeout meals to be sold on Friday nights, said that Marzilli was “unfailingly helpful.” She added, “Each time I arrived to drop off a prepared Friday night takeout dinner, Donna would be there to calmly figure out which cartons to use, how to best divide and serve the meals, where to locate a sharp knife—whatever needed to be done, she was there being cheery, helpful, and kind.”

Beyond the regular duties of her job, Marzilli is said to have always made herself open and available to her customers. Aaron Schneider and Greg Miller play music every Thursday morning at Pierce’s store, and both can attest to Marzilli’s moxie.

“She always had a line or two, whatever tune we were playing,” said Miller, “She was a great aficionado of all these old tunes. She always had some lines kicking around when we couldn’t find them.”

“I thought she was perfect for the store. I always kind of felt better when I saw Donna coming in the store,” Schneider said. “You felt like she was engaging with you, you know? I can be kind of sarcastic, and some people don’t get it, but Donna was always right there . . . She was a person of the world.”

Marzilli’s body was recovered by Vermont State Police late Monday night, Feb. 15 at the home she shared with her long-time boyfriend, Frank Weir. Weir pleaded not guilty to a murder charge Wednesday, Feb. 17.

A memorial service for Marzilli is in the works for the spring. Pierce’s Store has suggested that donations in Donna’s memory can be made to the Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter, P.O. Box 313, Rutland, VT 05702. Please indicate that the donation is in memory of Donna Marzilli on the check. The Women’s Network & Shelter is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…