Zella ‘Terri’ Flaminio

Zella was born on July 16, 1929, to Leo and Esther Haggart in Gloversville, N.Y. In 1947 she graduated from Gloversville High School and then attended Cobleskill College earning a nursery school teaching certificate.

Zella moved to Florida and continued teaching until she enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she proudly served her country. While stationed in Pensacola, Fla. she met her future spouse Donald “Flip” Flaminio. They were married on Feb. 7,1953, at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain, and moved there to begin their family of four children.

Zella was blessed with a beautiful soul and because of that, there is a trail of dazzling memories. She was skilled at bowling and because of that she was voted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.

Zella also enjoyed over 40 years of golf membership at Pine Grove Country Club competing in countless golf events as well attending numerous social celebrations. Zella and her husband owned and operated Quality Cleaners for many years and it was a successful family enterprise.

She is survived by three daughters, Judy (the late Dan) Benishek of Crystal Falls, Mary Flaminio of Menomonee Falls, Wis., and Sandy (Doug) Delie of Green Bay, Wis.

Zella’s surviving grandchildren include, Mick Grunlund, Adrienne (Neil) Black, Joe (Christine) Benishek, Kirby (Dean) Emerson, Todd Benishek, Jacyln Anderson (Mike Lob), Carly Anderson (Paul Faulkowski), Erin Anderson, Cassandra Baier, and Katelyn (Kyle) Vander Loop; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marion Flaminio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Zella was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her son, Joey; both of her parents and her sister, Mary (Mickey) Schmand.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation of Kingsford for Zella’s care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bishop Baraga Catholic School Tuition Fund.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Zella “Terri” Flaminio online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.