Cheryl Christine (Plagenza) Zenga

Cheryl Christine (Plagenza) Zenga, born June 15, 1951, in Boston’s North End, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Saugus on October 13, 2022, at age 71.

Loving wife of Nicholas Zenga. 

Devoted mother to son Steven Merrill and fiancé Laurie Thornell, daughter Christina Galleguillos and husband Neil Galleguillos, daughter Joyce Bouche and husband Mark Bouche.

Cherished daughter of the pre-deceased Peter Plagenza and Phyllis Plagenza Polcari of the North End.

Dear sister of the late Joyce Plagenza Fournier, Phillip Plagenza and Stephen Plagenza. All from the North End and East Boston.

Cheryl was an adoring Grandmother, GiGi, Nanna to nine grandchildren, Matthew Chesbrough and Wife Jessica , the Late Cheryl Chesbrough, Thomas Chesbrough, Marc Bouche and Julia Jackson, Jordan Bouche and William Henderson, Cailyn Merrill, Caleigh Merrill, Cameron Merrill, Christopher Merrill, and three great-granddaughters, Madison, Elise, and Aria.

Cheryl was a long-time Operations and Logistics Manager for Applied Mailing Systems-Prospectus. Cheryl treasured cooking, knitting, her “shows”. She was most happy being a central figure in the lives of her family. She was a God-loving woman who donated to various charities. Anyone who knew her would say she was the glue of the family, the central figure, the one of a life lived and wisdom gained and shared. Cheryl shined bright when cooking-but never brighter than on one of her favorite holidays, Christmas Eve, where she would tirelessly prepare the feast of the seven fishes for her family of 30 plus, It was her banquet for sure! Her children have promised to continue this tradition. As well they promised in her presence at a very young age. “to always take care of each other”. To know Cheryl for 5 days or a lifetime was to love her. She will forever be in our hearts and heads as her simple, yet powerful words of wisdom live on and are shared with generations.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Cheryl's name to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Family and friends will honor Cheryl's life by gathering at the Ruggiero’s Family Home at 971 Saratoga Street, East Boston MA 02128 on Saturday, October 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for a memorial visitation. All are welcome to attend.