Marceen Marie Zappone

Angels escorted our beloved Marceen to join her heavenly family on August 22, 2021. Receiving her into their loving arms; Dad, Mom, Joe, Bette and all the family and dear friends that have gone before her to prepare for the joyous celebration.

Marceen was the third of seven children born to Jack and Lucile Zappone on June 30,1950 in Spokane. She attended St. Aloysius grade school followed by Holy Names Academy, graduating in 1968. She loved her Catholic school “roots” and continued to organize reunions throughout the decades. Marceen attended Gonzaga University and then transferred to Fort Wright College to pursue a degree in drama. She commuted to school driving her dad’s 1931 Model A Victoria. While waving and smiling, Marceen loved to lay on the “AHOOGA” horn as she passed people by - and one couldn’t help but return her smile and wave back. She continued to offer rides and maintained the car well into her 60’s. Her time at Ft. Wright was highlighted by being cast as Puck for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ever the entertainer and always wanting to make people smile and laugh, Marceen was accepted to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College in Florida and graduated as a professional clown. Knowing herself and that life on the road with the circus was not for her, she returned to the city and family she loved in Spokane. In 1974, she performed at Expo ‘74 World’s Fair. She was hired to entertain guests as “Bentley Beetle” while waiting for the IMAX movie. After the Fair, she worked as a clown for private parties and took great delight in teaching anyone who wanted to learn how to make amazing balloon animals. Since her passion did not align with bill paying, she took a full time job as a bank teller at Great Western Bank which she worked at for years. She loved telling stories about the bank, especially when it was robbed. Marceen was a member of the Great Western Bed Race Team and loved organizing practices and recruiting the runners who pushed her as she rode on the bed during the annual race to support Muscular Dystrophy Association. She became chairman for the 1981 race expanding the entries and fundraising with over 2,500 people in attendance. Nourishing her desire to entertain, she took a stab at stand up comedy in the 80’s performing at the Red Lion Tavern. Her experience attending an all girls Catholic school and growing up in a large Italian family provided organic material for her routine. She continued to work various jobs, too many to list, to pay her bills. Marceen loved her dogs which were her chosen life partners; Peanut (circus dog), Clancy (agility master) and Lucy (she chose Marceen). Marceen absolutely loved her name so much so that she put a proposal together, canvassed the neighborhood for signatures, and the City Council unanimously voted to approve renaming the street she lived on from Iowa Place to Zappone Place in honor of her father. Holidays were made BIG by Marceen. Her sponsored Halloween parties for nieces and nephews encompassed a month of preparation and each party had to be bigger and better than the last. She made Christmas magical by playing Mrs. Claus for children on December 24th - visiting and delivering gifts in their homes, reading Christmas stories and leaving the “believer bell” as her parting gift. Her passion for soap-making led to setting up a hobby business, “MZ Creations”. She loved to personalize her soap recipes by tailoring the scent to the customer’s desire. She was the family historian and avid storyteller. She hosted tea parties that were a production with bonnet and all! Marceen loved adventure - whether it be wind surfing, snow-skiing or one of her favorite memories, racing the family’s Quarter Midget. Marceen befriended all - stopping to hear their stories, giving them her undivided attention and then afterwards often calling the Poor Clare nuns to ask for prayers. She was the most loyal of friends, a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. Her life’s work, her life’s best gift, was the loving care she bestowed upon her parents. Marceen did this unconditionally with love that few ever witness or receive. She cared for them selflessly without hesitation. Those that stood witness still marvel at the example of a daughter’s LOVE that few will ever emulate. Heaven has received an entertainer who is working on new material to make us laugh when we see her again! Peace be with you Marceen.

She is survived by her sisters: Jeanne, Cindy, Peggy and Julie. Nieces and Nephews: David, Carrie, Bob, Aimee, Stacee, Jack, Jeff, Jenny, Jaime, Heather, Shawn, Ryan, Alexandra, Jenna, Jamie and Gunnar.

Preceded in death by her father Jack, mother Lucile, brother Joe and sister Bette.

Arrangements entrusted to Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N Division St, Spokane, WA

September 2, 2021, Rosary at 7:00pm, Hennessey Funeral Home

September 3, 2021, Celebration Mass at 10:00am, St. Aloysius Church, 330 E Boone Ave, Spokane, WA

Reception at Jack and Dan’s Immediately following, 1226 N Hamilton St, Spokane, WA

Memorial contributions can be made Monastery of St. Clare, 4419 N. Hawthorne St., Spokane, WA 99205
 

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