Denise Esther Zaninelli, affectionately known as Ms. Z, was a vibrant woman whose smile could brighten any day and whose spirit could lift any atmosphere. She lived an adventurous life on her own terms, which included not leaving home without pink lipstick and nails. Denise was born October 12, 1957, the youngest of three children, to Silvio and Mary Zaninelli in Weirton, WV which is also where she received her education. Shortly after the loss of her father, she accepted a job in Winston-Salem, NC in 1982 where she remained until she took her last fighting breath on October 17th.
Enjoying life was a priority for Denise. She loved music, food, people and sports. Her life exemplified tenacity, servant leadership, philanthropy and breaking barriers for women in the trucking industry. She was self-employed for well over 20 years as the owner and broker of Tryson Transport. She completed her career as a contractor for Mabe Trucking and marketing director for Forsyth Academy Charter School. These positions allowed her the flexibility to volunteer countless hours at both Forsyth Academy and North Forsyth High School where she was seen in the halls of these schools well after her son graduated.
No was not a common word used by Denise. As a result, she was frequently asked to provide: detailed event planning services, lasagna, stuffed shells, chicken patties, “Nani’s Soup”, pound and caramel cakes, cheese grits, chocolate chip cookies (with and without pecans), peach cobbler and cheese straws. She relished in cooking and baking from scratch and one would see a less pleasant side if they asked her to use anything other the quality ingredients. Denise is also known for always carrying a cup of sweet tea and being surrounded by children who loved hugging her because of her aromatic smell of perfume.
In addition to her father, Denise was preceded in death by her in-laws, Thomas, Sr. and Mary Fulton and a nephew, Christopher Harris. Her life will continue to be celebrated by her husband of 30 years, Ron Fulton and one son, De’Ron Fulton both of the home; mother, Mary Zaninelli of Weirton, WV; sister, Wendy (Douglas) Russell of Weirton, WV; brother, David (Carole) Zaninelli of Follansbee, WV; brother-in-law; Thomas (Patricia) Fulton, Jr. of Hamilton, Bermuda; sisters-in-law, Denise James of the city, Regina (Charles) Harris of Miami, FL and Sonya Fulton of the city; nephews, Jeffrey (Lori) Russell of Marietta, GA, Mark (Carrie) Russell of St. Clairsville, OH and Courtenay Harris of Dallas, TX; nieces, Stacey (Ron) Kaine of Steubenville, OH, Dina (Bobby, Jr.) Goddard of Raleigh, NC, Melanie (Brett Bobik) Zaninelli of Coraopolis, PA, Melissa Zaninelli (Brian Ware) of St. Clarisville, OH and Micha James of the city; great-nieces, Tiffany and Brittany Russell, Veronica and Alexandria Kaine, Kamryn and Zoey Russell, and Mila Ware; great-nephews, Brody and Landyn Russell, Brax Ware, and Michai James; grand-nephew, Colton Sims; godson, Blyre Stokes.
She centered her life around her family which is why Denise made every effort to acknowledge each of their accomplishments. However, if any of those accomplishments happened on FootballSunday, there was a large possibility Denise would miss the event to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. She was proud to tell people, “My dad used to be the kicker for the Steelers”, which was part of the reason she remained passionate about the success of student athletes.
Embracing her challenges proved to be difficult for Denise every day since her diagnosis. Her husband and son pushed her to fight. Her sister-in-law stood by her as an advocate for her health care and other family members and friends supported her in being able to maintain the same level of dignity and pride so many grew to love.
Zealously she fought, zealously will she be remembered and zealously will she live on…
A memorial service, followed by a Cake and “Champagne” Reception, will be held at 6:30pm Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Forsyth Academy Charter School. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to services on Saturday at the school.
The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation; Denise’s loving roommate, Ms. Lizzie Green; Hospice of the Piedmont and her personal caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Denise’s honor to the North Forsyth High School Football Program and the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas.