Marie Nuzzo, age 88, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 24th, 2013. She was born Aug. 6, 1924 in Brooklyn, N.Y.. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Ernie.

Her career path ranged from Salon Owner to Real Estate to Travel Agent to personal assistant for Long Islands, Nassau County Executive Tom Gullotta. However, her most cherished mission was that of mother and grandmother.

She was a true Italian-American matriarch who, even in her 80’s, could stop her three grown sons dead in their tracks at her command. She had the courage of a lion but at the same time she would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

She adored her large family as well as her extended family and friends. She could out cook Mario Batali (best “Sloppy Chicken” EVER), out dance Ginger Rogers and had a sense of humor that could rival Phyllis Diller.

A Florida snowbird for several years, Marie made Venice her permanent home in 1995. She is the former president of “Seniors without Partners of Venice.” She had a true gift for organizing bus tours, charity events and generally fun activities for her club members and friends.

Over the past few years, she celebrated every day by spending her time playing the “slots” at the Internet Sweepstakes or playing cards with her cherished friends. She truly loved her life!

She will be forever missed by her sons and their spouses; Frank (Josephine) Gucciardo of Venice, Fla., Don (Mary) Gucciardo of Englewood, Fla. and Jerry (Angela) Gucciardo of Northport, N.Y..

She will also live on in the hearts of her grandchildren; Juli, Brad and Marieka, Jason and Jenne, Dana and Bobby, Christopher, and Jamie and Brian, as well as her great-grandchildren, Casey, Ryan and Megan.

Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Glover and her amazing caregivers at Manor Care and Tidewell.

Services: A special mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at Epiphany Cathedral, 350 Tampa Ave W. on the island of Venice.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in Marie’s name to Tidewell Hospice.