Lillian Zappelli, longtime resident of Los Gatos, died Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Gilroy, California. She was 92 years old. She was born Lillian Eleanor Zolezzi, July 12, 1928 in San Jose California to Jenny and Vince Zolezzi.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Dr. Aldoph Zappelli.

In her early adult life she was an office manager for her brother-in-law's optometric business and loved being a working woman and travelling with her girlfriends, until she met the love of her life. Being very proud of her Genoese heritage, she enjoyed visiting her relatives in Italy and reminiscing with her cousins in Santa Cruz, California.

After marriage, Lillian resided in Los Gatos with her husband. She was a loving mother to their children, grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews.  She was a wonderful hostess and had a way of making everyone feel happy and comfortable in their home.  She enjoyed playing golf, bridge and Pedro (she was almost always the winner!) and all sorts of games with her husband, children, family and friends. She also enjoyed music and talking about her teenage crush on Frank Sinatra.

Lillian was a great dresser. She participated in many fashion shows to the benefit of her community. A great seamstress, she taught her daughters to sew, and created beautiful dresses for their proms. Her granddaughters remember happy dress up fun with Noni, getting to try on her fancy clothes.

Later in life, she took up guitar and Japanese brush painting and always enjoyed reading, especially biographies and cookbooks. Lillian was an exceptional cook and was known for wearing a timer around her neck to keep from burning anything, she took a lot of happy teasing for that.

She is survived by her 4 children and their partners, Carol Zappelli; Bob and Becky Zappelli; Janice and Tim Filice; Kathleen Zappelli and JoAnn Mast; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews.

She will be truly missed!

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to:

Merrill Gardens, Gilroy

Bonita Springs Hospice, Gilroy.