1954-2026
Marianne (Zoul) Favaro, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at home on July 19, 2026, with her devoted husband, Bill, at her side. She was 71 years old.
Born on Oct. 7, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, Marianne was the daughter of Robert Joseph Zoul and Anna Maria Zoul and the middle of five children. When she was 7 years old, the family moved to Southern California, where Marianne would spend most of her life. Although born in Ohio, she proudly considered herself an original “Valley Girl.” California wasn’t simply where she lived — it was part of who she was. Petite, stylish and known for her striking blue eyes, Marianne loved sunshine, beautiful clothes and was always the life of the party. But those who knew her best will remember far more than her beauty. She was quick-witted, intelligent, endlessly curious and remarkably resilient. Marianne had an incredibly generous heart and a natural gift for making people feel welcome. Whether it was a holiday, a family gathering or an ordinary afternoon, she always made room for one more person at the table.
She attended St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City, California, before marrying Thomas “Tom” Connolly Jr. in 1974. Together they built a home in Woodland Hills, California, where they raised their daughters, Shannon Leigh (Connolly) Downing and Brittany Leigh Connolly.
Marianne poured herself into motherhood. When Brittany faced serious health challenges as a child, Marianne devoted herself completely to her care while remaining a constant presence at St. Mel Catholic School, where the girls both attended. Her family was always her top priority, and she loved them fiercely.
As her daughters grew older, Marianne found a second calling in real estate. Her warmth, professionalism and gift for connecting with people led to a highly successful career spanning many years, earning her numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and clients.
Following Tom’s death, Marianne married William “Bill” Favaro in 1999. The two exchanged vows in Iowa, Bill’s home state. Together they shared a life filled with love, friendship, laughter and adventure. As they approached retirement, they fulfilled a lifelong dream of building their forever home on Lake Panorama, just outside of Des Moines, Iowa. There they enjoyed the slower pace of life, beautiful sunsets, new friends and creating memories together. Still, Marianne never stopped loving California, so they found the perfect compromise — spending their winters in Indian Wells, where they stayed warm and enjoyed a lifestyle that brought them so much happiness. Their beloved dog, Lola Peanut, was a constant companion and completed their little family. Wherever Bill and Marianne went, Lola was usually right beside them.
Whether in Iowa or California, Marianne loved being outdoors — sunbathing by the pool, taking boat rides on the lake, planting flowers, or simply walking around the neighborhood. She was an avid Notre Dame football fan and, more recently, discovered a love for Indiana Fever basketball. At the end of the day, she was just as happy relaxing with a good book and, of course, a glass of chardonnay.
But nothing brought Marianne more joy than gathering the people she loved — both family and friends she considered family. Holidays were never just for blood relatives; she had a way of making sure everyone had somewhere to go and someone to celebrate with. She had a gift for throwing unforgettable parties, a tradition she proudly passed on to her daughters. Since 2004, one of her greatest joys, and something both she and Bill looked forward to each year, was welcoming their family to the “Lake House” for the Fourth of July. Those who had the privilege of being there know those times were filled with good company, spirited conversation and countless shenanigans around the tiki bar.
Even as her health wavered, Marianne never lost her playful spirit. Just a few weeks before her passing, she surprised her family by agreeing to spend a day at Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo, Iowa, with her only grandchild, Carter. To everyone’s amazement, she rode roller coasters, tackled a four-story water slide, and laughed her way through the day. Back at home, she remained Carter’s toughest Uno rival, always ready for one more game, which she usually won.
After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Brittany, in 2011, Marianne faced many years of chronic pain with quiet strength. While those who love her will miss her every day, they take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace and reunited with Brittany.
Marianne is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Anna Zoul; brothers, Thomas and Timothy Zoul; and her cherished daughter, Brittany Connolly.
She is survived by her devoted husband, William Favaro; her daughter, Shannon Downing, and son-in-law, Brandon Downing; her beloved grandson, Carter Downing; her sisters, Joan (Zoul) Swick and Susan Zoul; her stepson, William Joseph Favaro; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
A funeral mass celebrating Marianne’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa, at noon, with a reception immediately following. A celebration of her life will also be held in California at a later date, where she will be laid to rest near Brittany.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, was entrusted with her services.