Maria Teresa Zanutta

1928 – 2024

Maria Teresa (Nanny to her friends and family) passed away peacefully on July 19 at the age of 95. She lived a long and full life, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Nanny grew up in Torino, Italy, the second oldest of eight children. When her mother passed away during childbirth she helped raise her siblings along with her older sister, not an easy task for a teenager during WWII.

The war changed her life in many ways, but she always remained positive and looked for ways to make life better for others by teaching adult education and later becoming a social worker, helping unwed mothers.

Nanny loved music—opera in particular—playing tennis, skiing, hiking, reading and playing cards with her friends. Her family home was the gathering place for friends. Everyone was welcome.

Nanny met her husband, Ezio, who was studying to be a doctor, via mutual friends. When Ezio was offered a position at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica in 1963 they moved to Pacific Palisades and thus began her life in California.

When she arrived in the U.S., she did not speak English. She learned from watching soap operas, reading books with a dictionary and getting her son, who was 5, to help with translations, as he learned English in school. She also learned Spanish while helping Ezio as his office manager, as many clients were Spanish speaking.

She and Ezio were a team. They built a lasting community of friends from the varied groups in their lives, the doctors and nurses, the Italian community, the Corpus Christi community, and their neighbors. They enjoyed hosting dinner parties, and were known for their annual Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas party.

Nanny leaves behind a lasting legacy of volunteering in the Palisades, her home of 54 years. She volunteered at John’s Hospital gift shop and was an engaged member of the Corpus Christi community, actively participating in the new member welcoming committee, First Friday Adoration and the Legion of Mary. She also participated in the Meals on Wheels program for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed giving back to the community and welcoming newcomers.

At 88 she moved to Palo Alto to be near her children.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ezio, and survived by her daughter, Louise, and her son, Roberto, who live in Northern California, her two sisters Maria Domenica and Margherita in Italy, and her six grandchildren.

She kept in close touch with her brothers and sisters in Italy and their children who she saw at least once a year until she could no longer travel. She was the glue that kept the family in touch with each other and will be deeply missed by all.

The family wishes to thank Gordon Manor in Redwood City for the caring and loving environment they provided Nanny these past two years.

A memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Parish on September 21 at 2 p.m.