Obituary of Zoya Mareino
Zoya Mareino, 93, of Howell, New Jersey, passed away at her daughter's home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born in Baku, Soviet Union, and raised in Tehran and Tabriz, Iran, Zoya immigrated to the United States in the 1950s and eventually settled in Howell, where she made her home. Zoya was deeply proud to be an American citizen.
Nicknamed "Sweet Zoya," she was known for her sharp wit, resilience, positive outlook, calming presence, and enduring patience. When Zoya spoke, everyone wanted to listen. She possessed a magnetic personality, with opinions and advice that those around her treasured. People fell in love with Zoya upon meeting her because she had a remarkable ability to make others feel special. Whether she encountered a nurse, a longtime friend, or a store clerk, it didn't matter whether she knew someone for a minute or a lifetime — she left an impression. But those of us who had her for longer in our lives are the lucky ones.
Zoya was an excellent cook who delighted in savoring good food. She loved talking on the phone and was always deeply invested in the lives of her family and friends, never forgetting to check in or follow up on a conversation. An avid reader from an early age, she found comfort and joy in stories. She spoke multiple languages, including English, French, Farsi, and Russian, and often read several books at once in different languages.
If she heard a song she liked, you could always find her dancing. She found great joy in caring for her family and especially cherished her role as a grandmother (Mom-Mom). She had a special love for flowers and birds and enjoyed tending her vegetable garden. When not in Howell, Zoya loved spending time at their house in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida eating fresh grapefruit from their tree and sitting on the screened in porch or sun bathing. A member of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, she believed strongly in the power of prayer.
Zoya was a hard worker, running the household and the family's small farm. She also worked at a grocery store in Freehold and later worked alongside her husband in the family business, Don Mareino & Sons Plumbing and Heating.
Above all, Zoya's greatest joy was the people she loved. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ismail Abasade and Pelegria Popoff, and her brother, Anatoly Popoff.
Zoya is survived by her loving husband of more than seventy years, Donald Mareino; her children, Robert A. Mareino, Elizabeth Keenan and her husband, Timothy, and Victor A. Mareino; her granddaughters, Ashley Keenan and Alyssa Keenan and her husband, Ben Darr; and her great-granddaughter, Cleo Darr.
The family welcomes everyone to attend a pannyhida (a Russian Orthodox service) at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, 200 Alexander Avenue, Howell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM funeral service at the Cathedral on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Entombment will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, 1610 Allenwood Road, Wall Township. Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com
