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NORTHAMPTON - Marya Theresa Panzica, 43, formerly of Newton and Northampton, passed away at home in Cambridge on Nov. 1, 2009, of rhabdomyosarcoma.

She is survived by her longtime partner, Ernest Tarquinio; and brothers, Joseph F. Panzica and his partner Sharon Feeney of Greenfield, Christopher A. Panzica and his wife Rebecca Chetham of Arlington, and Edward M. Panzica and his wife Doris Schmeck of Seminole, Fla. She was the daughter of Joseph Panzica II of Gulfport, Fla., and Northampton and the late Phyllis (Kosakowski) Panzica. She was the aunt of Nicholas, Olivia, and Abigail Panzica. She also leaves behind two beloved, but somewhat troublesome pets, Phoebe and Keenan; the former a black Labrador retriever, the latter a mushroom-eating mutt.

Marya was born in Northampton during the great blackout of 1965. She was a graduate of Northampton High School and Emmanuel College. She dedicated her career to individuals with intellectual disabilities, working for many years for the Department of Developmental Disabilities in both the greater Boston area and western Massachusetts.

Marya had an enduring love for all animals, especially dogs and birds.

She was known for her fierce independence, her love of music, and for her infectious sense of humor, which she maintained to the very end of her shortened life. Marya was passionate about nature, and she enjoyed hiking, biking and kayaking.

Besides her four-legged and winged friends, she leaves behind innumerable two-legged friends who loved her deeply and will miss her. Memorial visitation will be held in the John C. Burns & Sons Funeral Home, 305 Broadway, Cambridge, Sunday, Nov. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. www.burnsfuneralhomes.com.