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Obituaries » Matilda “Tillie” Zingus

Matilda “Tillie” Zingus

November 15, 1930 - August 13, 2022

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ZINGUS: Matilda “Tillie” Zingus, 91, of New London entered eternal life on August 13, 2022, in the comfort of her cherished home. She was born November 15, 1930, in Southington, CT, the daughter of the late James and Nafsika (Diafa) Giagios. Matilda attended local schools in Southington and later graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism. After college, she had a fulfilling career in advertising as a copywriter in Hartford and in Boston, her favorite city. She was united in marriage on September 22, 1957, at St. George Church in New Britain, CT to her beloved husband George Zingus, who predeceased her in 2004. Tillie had three children: Chris (Jennifer) Zingus of Mystic, Dean Zingus of Hollywood, CA, and Yvonne Zingus Costa, her daughter and best friend who predeceased her in 2012. Tillie also had eight beloved grandchildren: Logan and Bianca Zingus, Caroline and Holden Costa, Christopher and Carly Zingus, and Owen and Wyatt Zingus, and one great grandchild, Clementine. Tillie was the middle child in a group of three sisters; she is survived by her sisters Catherine (Irwin) Hapis-Ganson of New London and Theodora (James) Georgeady of Pawcatuck. The three Giagios sisters were very close and enjoyed many wonderful years together, whether at home or during their travels together. Tillie also had many nieces and nephews that were very dear to her and held a special place in her heart.

Tillie worked in the family business, the former Grotto Café in Groton with her husband and brothers-in-law, retiring in 1982. She was a devoted member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, serving on many committees, including Daughters of Penelope, the Philoptochos Society, and the Senior Citizens Social, in addition to volunteering at the church festivals every year. Tillie and George loved to travel and took many trips to Las Vegas and Europe, including visiting family in Greece. Tillie also loved to cross country ski and fully enjoyed her “mountain house” at Okemo Mountain in the winters and summers. Tillie and George would go every weekend in the winter and bring their nephews and nieces along. Her summers were spent at Ocean Beach and the family also had a popular food stand on the boardwalk for many years. Tillie loved Ocean Beach, both day and night. After the beach she would frequent her favorite ice cream shop, Michael’s Dairy, for sundaes with “a little ice cream and a lot of hot fudge.” She was a great hostess, hosting many parties at her home. Christmas was legendary at the Zingus house, hosting friends and family for celebrations. Tillie also loved being outside and often walked for miles around her neighborhood and at the beach. She had a strong belief in traditions and worked hard to instill this in her family. Tillie loved spending time with her family – by far, they were the most important part of her life. She was a caring and loving Yiayia and would do anything for her grandchildren. Her house hosted many cousin sleepovers over the years and was a second home for her grandchildren and many others.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Monday morning (August 22) from 10am to 11am at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead St., New London, followed by a service at 11am. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home (84 Montauk Ave., New London) has been entrusted with her care. Memorial donations in her memory can be made to St. Sophia Church.



     

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