Obituary: Marianne K. Barsi, 83. of Woodbury

Obituary courtesy of Maiorano Funeral Home

LOCAL CHEF, RESTAURANT OWNER, AND DOG GROOMER

Marianne K. Barsi, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Saint Mary’s Hospital.

Born in Waterbury, on April 17, 1939, Marianne was the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes (DiNapoli) Barsi. She was a graduate of Wilby High School and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Her love of cooking and for the restaurant world began at age 14, when she worked at Lerz’s Restaurant. She worked in banking for a short time and returned to Lerz’s Restaurant where she cultivated her cooking skills. With $150, she opened Happy Luncheonette, her first restaurant, at age 21. A gifted and self-taught chef, Marianne went on to own and operate many memorable restaurants in the Waterbury and Woodbury area; including Somewhere Restaurant which she owned in the 1980’s, Barsi’s Restaurant and Marianne’s Place, both in Woodbury and Roberto Restaurant and Zia Cucina, both in Waterbury. Generous and kind, Marianne cooked from her heart and hosted her patrons as if they were having dinner in her own kitchen. With a love for animals, Marianne also owned and operated Stylish Pets in Waterbury and Barsi’s Kennels in Woodbury. Ambitious and fearless, Marianne took on each new business venture with excitement and determination. She was happiest cooking for everyone, meeting her customers, and watching them enjoy her food. Caring and generous, she treated everyone with respect and always spoke with kind words. Her family was her world and everything she did, she did with them and for them.

Marianne is survived by her brother Robert Barsi and her best friends Cindy Wargo and Ryc Lynch; all of Woodbury. She also leaves many cousins and friends as well as her beloved dog Lily and cat Markie.

Marianne’s funeral will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 9:00am from Maiorano Funeral Home 95 Willow St., Waterbury to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a Mass at 10:00am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marianne’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. For additional information, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.