Marie Z Carpenter

Carpenter, Marie Z. Marie Zoidis Carpenter, known as "Grammy" to her family, passed away Saturday, 4 April 2015 at the age of 93 in Seminole, FL. She was a longtime resident of the St. Petersburg area. Born in Bangor, ME in 1922 to Nicholas and Froso Zoidis, her early life was spent in the Maine area where she met her husband, Murray Carpenter. Together they were pioneers in the radio and television business of the 1950's and 60's. They owned and operated television station WTWO (subsequently renamed WLBZ) in Bangor from 1954 until 1958. Upon moving to Florida in 1963, they owned and operated WTCX-FM 99.5, the first radio station to introduce stereo sound in the area. While the station primarily played classical music, in the late 1960's they became the first stereo radio station to play rock music in the Tampa Bay area. In her later years, she worked for the United States Postal Service as a carrier, retiring at the age of 79 to a life of leisure. Among her travels, she went to England by way of the Queen Elizabeth 2 liner and went on an African safari. An avid reader and patron of the arts, she also enjoyed parties. Outgoing and charismatic, she was always ready for a martini. She is survived by her children, Christopher, Richard, and Elizabeth (Libby); as well as nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter. She was preceded by her husband, Murray, in 1990 and a grandson, Ryan Christopher, in 1993. Commemorative gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. http://www.memorial-donations.org/