Ione Santos Zichelli, formerly known as Ione Pisani Santos de Oliveira, passed away  peacefully on November 17, 2025 in Westbrook, Maine, surrounded by her family. Born on November 9, 1938, in Itaberaba, Bahia, Brazil, Ione was the daughter of Lomelino de  Sousa Santos and Georgina Pisani.

Ione is survived by her beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Marcelo and Gesine de Oliveira of Bremen, Germany; Ricardo de Oliveira and Mary Anne Casey of Alcochete,  Portugal; and Eduardo and Kristen de Oliveira of Portland, Maine. Vovó (Grandmother in Portuguese) was so proud of her grandchildren: Philipp de Oliveira (Leipzig,  Germany); Luise de Oliveira (Duisburg, Germany); Gabriel and Haley de Oliveira  (Portland, Maine); Sofia de Oliveira (Brooklyn, New York) and her great-grandson, Beau  de Oliveira (Portland, Maine). She also leaves behind an extended family including her  brother Gabriel and dear nieces and nephews in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Ione spent her childhood on the family farm where she gained a love for animals - especially horses - and tropical fruits, in particular, mango, papaya, and umbu. At a young age she moved  to Salvador to complete her education. Not many years after relocating, she met her  first husband, Alberto Freitas de Oliveira (1936-1993), who she married on March 25, 1961 and started a family. Her boys were Ione's pride and joy.

In 1980, Alberto's job offered the family an opportunity to move to the United States.  They arrived in New York City on January 30, 1980, where they lived briefly before  settling in Paramus, New Jersey. Ione was the anchor of the family, helping everyone  adjust and thrive in their new country. Ione developed a network of Brazilian and  American friends in New Jersey that brought her so much joy over the many years  there. She was an Activities Director in a nursing home in Montclair, NJ where she  shared her culture and brought happiness to many residents over the years.

In 2009 Ione married Anthony Zichelli from Bloomfield, New Jersey, who passed in  2015, and continued to live there until 2022. Together, they traveled to many places,  including Brazil, Hawaii, many countries in Europe, and throughout the East Coast and  Midwest of the United States. Among their many adventures, a highlight was celebrating  New Year's Eve at an opera house in Vienna, Austria.

Ione took great joy in gardening, crafts, traveling, and spending time with her family and  many friends. Cooking and baking were her passion, and nothing brought her more  happiness than cooking acarajé, a specialty from Bahia, for her family and friends.

In her later years, she resided at a senior living facility in Osprey, Florida, and more  recently moved to Westbrook, Maine to be closer to Eduardo and Kristen. She was quick to make friends with both residents and staff. The family is deeply grateful for all  the love, friendships, and support Ione received throughout her wonderful life. A private  service was held.In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her name.