Maria (Leone) Zappia

Maria Zappia (Leone), 84, of South Bend, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 25, 2026.

She was born on June 21, 1941, in Naples, Italy, to the late Vittoria and Carlo Leone. The youngest of seven children, Maria spent her formative years in Naples, enjoying her youth and helping her family operate their Tabaccheria. She met her late husband, Patrick Zappia, in Naples, and they were married at Sant’ Antonio a Posillipo Church on December 3, 1961. Shortly thereafter, she immigrated to the United States and settled in South Bend, Indiana, where she built a beautiful life centered on family.

Maria dedicated her entire life to her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her four children, Michael, Len, Loris, and Cindy. She worked as a cook at Memorial Hospital in South Bend for 32 years, retiring in 2003.

In retirement, she found her greatest joy in her four loving grandchildren, Jason, Alexandra, Gabriella, and Giovanna. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with them—whether taking them to the pool during summer breaks, cheering them on at sporting events, attending graduations, celebrating weddings, or later watching them become parents themselves. Her pride in her family was immeasurable, and the memories she created with them will be cherished forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vittoria and Carlo Leone, and her siblings, Giovanni Leone, Mario Leone, Silvio Leone, Elsa Scorciarino, Rita Berisio, and Tina Zappia.

She is survived by her brother, Loris Leone of Naples, Italy; her children, Michael (Karen) Zappia of South Bend, Len (Crispina) Zappia of Granger, Loris Zappia of Granger, and Cindy (John) Hershberger of South Bend; her grandchildren, Jason (Taryn) Zappia of Indianapolis, Alexandra (Kasey) Gengler of Noblesville, Gabriella (Evan) Rink of Granger, and Giovanna (Ari Kasle) Schulte of Greenville, South Carolina; and her great-grandchildren, Quinn and Colby Gengler, Reece Rink, and Aria Zappia.

Private services were held on March 4, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana.

 Hanley and Sons Funeral Home has assisted the family with arrangements and wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to all of the Zappia family and friends. 

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