Piermont woman dies in I-91 crash
Toolbox
By MARK DAVIS VALLEY NEWS - Published: December 24, 2009
THETFORD — A Piermont woman who worked at a Quechee spa died Tuesday when her car skidded off Interstate 91 and slammed into a clump of trees, Vermont State Police said.
Around 11:30 a.m., Lisa Mazzilli, 43, was driving a 2004 Dodge Neon southbound in the passing lane when, according to witnesses, she clipped the guardrail, police said. The vehicle then veered right across both travel lanes and went down an embankment. The vehicle was wrecked.
Police said it appears that Mazzilli was not wearing a seat belt, but cautioned that their investigation is preliminary.
A man who answered the telephone Tuesday evening at Mazzilli's listed address in Piermont declined to comment.
It was unclear if Mazzilli was ejected from the car, Vermont State Police Trooper Scott Amado said in a brief interview.
The road was clear and dry at the time of the collision, state police said.
Mazzilli is married with two sons, according to co-workers at the Strong House Spa in Quechee, where she worked for the past two years as a licensed massage therapist.
"She was the most delightful person to be around," said spa co-owner Sheila Armen. "Our staff as well as our clients loved her dearly. We're grateful to have known her."
The spa moved from Fairlee to Quechee after Mazzilli was hired, but she never complained about the extra commuting time, co-owner Shelly Yusko said.
"She was one of the most pleasant employees who ever worked for me," said Yusko, who has been in business for 18 years.
Mazzilli was likely headed to work at the time of her death, co-workers said. She was due at work at noon and always showed up on time.
Shortly after noon, co-workers called Mazzilli's home and her cell phone and left messages. Around 4 p.m., a family member called the spa and delivered the news.
"We're in shock," Yusko said.
Mazzilli and her family were scheduled to depart for an annual vacation to Aruba next week, Yusko said.
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