Marie E. Ziaja

VanHornesville – Marie E. Ziaja, age 87 of Christmas Tree Hill passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Marie was born on September 29, 1937, in Adams, Massachusetts to the late William and Elizabeth Casey Frederick. She was raised and educated in Adams. On May 31, 1958 she married Emil Ziaja in Adams, MA, a blessed and loving union of sixty-seven years. Marie was an entrepreneur, homemaker, and truly dedicated to her family.

Marie was a person of many talents. She not only enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones, many will remember her for her years spinning the pizza dough at Canton Pizza in Canton, CT.  She had a passion for gardening, seemingly incorporating something homegrown into every meal.   Marie was the inspiration over the last 28 years behind her beloved Gard'n Gate Christmas Tree Farm, creating thousands of memories for the generations of families that would come to start their holiday celebrations.  If it was summer, you could find her at the camp paddling around on her kayak.  Spending time with her family and being Nana to her grandchildren, whether at the farm, at the camp in Massachusetts, or somewhere on the road, was most precious to her.   She also truly loved traveling the world with her husband, visiting so many countries around the world over their decades together.

Besides her husband Emil, she is survived by three children; Steven Ziaja and his partner Margaret Landy of Adams, MA, Susan Ziaja of New Hartford, CT, and Martin Ziaja and his wife Holly of Melbourne, FL, and four beloved grandchildren; Stevie Lea Juliano, Mercede Juliano, Jack Ziaja and Ellen Ziaja.

She was preceded in death by her son Andrew Ziaja.

A funeral service for Mrs. Ziaja will be private and at the convenience of her family. The family is asking in lieu of a service or flowers that you spend time with the people closest to you.  Take some time with family or friends and do something you have not done before. Be adventurous in Marie's honor.  She would love that!

Arrangements are J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Inc. 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.