Obituary of Janice Marie Zinicola

Janice Zinicola, caring nurse and devoted wife and mother, dies at 72. 

Janice Marie Zinicola (3/25/1949 - 6/12/2021
 

Janice Marie Zinicola (née Doxtader) died on June 12, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Herkimer, NY to John Doxtader and Patricia Anne Doxtader (née Dunning) and was the oldest of 9 siblings. Janice attended school at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School and Herkimer High School. After high school she went on to earn her degree as a Registered Nurse from St. Elizabeth’s Nursing School in Utica, NY. While there, she met the love of her life and devoted husband of 50 years, Silvio Zinicola. 

Jan and Sil were married in 1971, living in Denver, Colorado and Livorno, Italy before settling in Andover, Massachusetts. They had 2 children, Nina Zinicola and Todd Zinicola. In 1991, the family moved to Reston, Virginia. 

Janice found joyful purpose in her chosen profession as a Registered Nurse. She worked in hospitals, nursing homes and, in her later career, she worked for the American Red Cross Blood Services. Janice is remembered by many as the nurse who would sing and chat while she worked and for always remembering your name with a bright confident smile.

Janice was a natural caregiver and put her whole heart into everything that she did.  She was well known for her welcoming personality and fun demeanor. Janice gave her time as a volunteer without hesitation. She was a soccer coach, Girl Scout Leader, and den mother. She organized outings for family and friends and made sure that all felt welcome to join. She was loving, joyful, and inclusive. Janice was the fun aunt. She was always up for a game of Scrabble or swimming at Raquette Lake. Jan and Sil could often be found out dancing with friends or singing along at outdoor concerts. They would give big elaborate parties for any good reason and invite everyone to join.

Janice is survived by her husband Silvio Joseph Zinicola of Ashburn, VA, formerly of Utica, NY; her daughter Nina Zinicola Smith and her son-in-law Nathan Smith of Ashburn, VA; her son Todd Zinicola and her daughter-in-law Katie Zinicola of Reston, VA; her grandchildren Samuel Smith, Amelia Smith, and Isla Zinicola; her siblings Mary Burdick and brother-in-law Joseph Burdick, Therese Susino and brother-in-law William Susino, Timothy Doxtader and sister-in-law Amie Doxtader, Thomas Doxtader and sister-in-law Linda Doxtader, sisters-in-law Kathy Doxtader and Jaqueline Doxtader, and countless nieces and nephews including her devoted goddaughter, Mary Anne Brelinsky. She was predeceased by both of her parents, John and Patricia Doxtader of Herkimer, NY, her mother-in-law Nancy Zinicola of Utica, NY, her brothers John Doxtader of Hurley, NY, Daniel Doxtader of Herkimer, NY, Paul Doxtder of Oneida, NY, and her sister Margaret “Peggy” Doxtader of Herkimer, NY. She will be missed by all who cared for her including the wonderful caregivers at Maple Grove Continuing Care facility in Ashby Ponds where she was loved for nearly 4 years.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday June 22nd from 4pm - 6pm at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA. A Mass to celebrate Janice’s life will be said on Wednesday June 23rd at 11:00am at St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church in Reston, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Red Cross or the Michael J. Fox Foundation in her memory.