MARSHA (ZIRA) MANTIA

71, of North Scituate, passed away on December 26, 2012 after a long and courageous fight against breast cancer.

She was the beloved and cherished wife of Peter Mantia for over 40 years.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Virginia (Giammarco) Zira of North Scituate and the late Samuel Zira. Marsha was a long time employee of the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency where she served as their Training and Public Information officer for 28 years until her retirement in 1986. She was also a member of Council 94, AFL-CIO.

Marsha became an active advocate of The Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition (RIBCC), tirelessly helping others in the goals of the coalition. She served on the Coalition Board of Directors and she lobbied the congressional delegation in Washington, DC for research funding and access to quality healthcare.

Besides her husband and mother she was the sister of Sandra Bergantino and her husband John, Kathleen Zira, Samuel Zira and his wife Rochelle, Dennis Zira and his wife Diane, Steven Zira and the late Alan Zira. She was the step-mother of Peter Mantia Jr. and his wife Lucie of Texas, and Terrie Mantia of Texas; two grandsons Ivo and Max Mantia and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Her funeral will be held on Monday at 10:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rocco's Church, Johnston at 12 noon.

Entombment will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

Visiting hours are Monday Morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marsha's memory may be made to: The Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition (RIBCC) 716 Center of New England Blvd. Suite 245, Coventry, RI 02816.