Marie Antoinette Zerilli, a talented seamstress who learned the craft from her father, developed a lifelong passion for textile design at an early age and parlayed that into a successful career at Leron Inc., a purveyor of handmade European custom linens.
Her work as a designer and saleswoman "took her into some of the most exclusive homes in the country," her family wrote. "She worked with famous people from the music industry such as Linda Ronstadt to producers such as Steven Spielberg, but remained unfazed by great success or wealth."
Mrs. Zerilli, who moved from Manhattan to Wainscott after her retirement, died on May 11 at Cayuga Hospital, near her family in Ithaca, N.Y. She had Parkinson's disease and had been in declining health for some time. She was 91.
She was born in Brooklyn on Nov. 10, 1930, to Domenic Stillitano and the former Katherine Santoro. She grew up in Brooklyn and took a position at Leron before her marriage in 1955 to Armand F. Zerilli. At the company she "expanded her knowledge to the select world of embroidered artisan linens from Italy and France," her family wrote.
She left to raise her three children, but "returned at the age of 45 to establish herself as an artistic and savvy businesswoman."
She "loved life in the city," was "stubbornly attached to New York," and "refused to retire elsewhere," her family said.
Throughout her life, "she gave generously of her time and resources," they said. She was a volunteer with Visiting Neighbors and Meals on Wheels and donated to other organizations that helped people in need.
Mrs. Zerilli enjoyed playing bridge, and was an excellent cook and a "friend to many."
"Her compassionate spirit and love of life will endure," her family wrote.
She is survived by her husband, her children, Linda M.G. Zerilli of Chicago, Amanda Zerilli of Ithaca, and Jeffrey Zerilli of Vermont, and by four grandchildren. She also leaves a brother, Anthony Stillitano of Southampton, and a sister, Carmella Guarnera of Metuchen, N.J.
A date for a service has not yet been set.
The family has suggested contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org/donate.
