Christine Zevolo

Christine (Gillis) Zevolo, known affectionately as “Tina” by so many, died peacefully at home in Lowell on February 6, surrounded by her family. Tina, 95 years old, was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, then moved to the United States, settling in Boston, where she met her husband, the late Michael T. Zevolo. They were married for 45 years and had six children. She was the loving mother of Michael & his wife Cindy of FL, Donna Kincaid & her husband Stephen of Lowell, Patrick & his wife Anna of Winthrop, and the late Christine (Patrick), Joseph and Thomas of FL. She was predeceased by her brother Peter Gillis, and is survived by her siblings Martha McLean, Bernadette Mc Neil, John Gillis, and many other Gillis and Chapdelaine relatives in Nova Scotia. Tina was the adoring “Nana Z” to 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She lit up whenever she saw them, even in her final days. They were her pride and joy. One of her favorite songs to them was “I love you a bushel and a peck”, which she sang to them often, and is now being sung to her future generations.

Tina was a licensed nurse. She started nursing in Montreal, and then worked at St. Margaret’s in Boston. She was a delivery nurse and cared for many preemies in the unit. She always loved being around children. Later, when she had her own family, she worked part time at the Don Orione Nursing Home in East Boston.

Tina never learned to drive, but she knew how to get around by using public transit. She was no stranger to walking or taking buses and trains to go into downtown Boston and Charlestown. She would meet her cousin Edith, and they would venture into Boston together.

In 1985, Tina and Mike moved to Casselberry, FL where they began a new life in the sun. They became part of a wonderful active community and were busy all the time. Tina was like a free bird who was involved in everything she could. She surprised her husband and her family with her singing (even solos) and dancing at club events. She was part of a women’s group who did service projects for charities. She was a member of the Red Hat club. She spent many hours each week at the pool with friends and participated in regular exercise groups at the clubhouse. She was very happy there, and her family visited often. Even after her husband passed away, Tina remained involved in the community.

Tina moved permanently back home to Massachusetts in 2015 after she had a stroke and lived with her daughter Donna and her son-in-law Stephen. She worked extremely hard to get back on her feet so she could continue to live life as fully as she could. With the help of an angel here on earth, our dear Monica DePalma, Tina lived her best life for the remainder of her days. She could not have had better care and friendship over the last 6+ years, and she was always in the company of her children and grandchildren. Tina was always reminded of those who were not physically present with her through calls, video chats, and photos. She knew she was loved.

Tina was a loving, faithful, honest woman who was strong to the core. She endured many trials over the years, but never gave up. She always woke up with a smile on her face, and passed that on to other people, her own family and others she encountered. She may have been quiet, but she was strong from the inside out. Never said a bad word about anybody! Tina loved and was loved.

May she rest in eternal peace. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation and memorial service at Duckett Funeral Home, 656 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, on Saturday, February 11, 10-1. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.