Nellie Mae Zavarelli

Nellie Mae Augustina Zavarelli, 74, passed away March 25, 2009.

Nell was born September 10, 1934, in Spokane, Washington. She was the eldest of four children born to Wilhelma and Roy Davis. The family moved to Missoula where she lived her life. Mom graduated from Missoula County Public High School. After graduation, she worked with Dr. Fry. She greatly enjoyed working in the dental profession.

Nell married Ralph Hand, and had two sons, Bob and Jerry. In 1963, Nell married Ermindo Zavarelli and they had two children, Rick and Barb. She also raised Ermindo's children whom she loved very much.

During their marriage, they operated the Amvets Club. She ran a restaurant in the Amvets and started a tradition of Sundays buffet. Feeding hundreds of people became a staple to their customers. She made several life long friends while at the Amvets and later the OK Corral. Holidays were spent with humm of a mixer as she tirelessly made Tom and Jerry Batter. She supplied restaurants and taverns with her famous batter throughout the holiday seasons.

Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis as a child she lived life to the fullest. Nell and Army traveled to Westport, Washington every year to go tuna and salmon fishing. One of her cherished memories was a fishing trip to Alaska. She also enjoyed gardening and canning her own vegetables. She was an excellent cook and teacher. All of her meals were made from scratch. She did beautiful crocheting and embroidering of different items.

Her greatest passion was for her children and grandchildren. She spent countless hours reading and singing to her grandchildren. She had true patience and genuine concern. Her love and loyalty can never be measured. Never one to put herself first, she often went without so that others could flourish.

Nell was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Jerry and Bob; husband Ermindo; and brother, Art.

Nell is survived by son Rick Zavarelli (Kammy); daughter, Barb Anderson (Eric); children, Alane Buzzard (Mike); Frank Zavarelli; Rocky Zavarelli; John Zavarelli; Joe Zavarelli (Raelynn); Linda Besel; and Julie Clark; 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; sister, Pat Everard of Spokane, Washington; brother Boyd Davis of Middle Thompson Lake; sister-in-laws, Gail Davis and Angela Might, both of Missoula; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends.

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Szekely for his continued care that he provided for Mom during her later years.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made in Nell's memory to Missoula Aging Services.