Mrs. Donna M. (Faga) Zabko

UTICA - Although she overcame challenges and had a strong will to live, Mrs. Donna M. (Faga) Zabko, age 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2020. Born in Utica on January 4, 1945, Donna was the daughter of the late Dominick J. and Josephine (Rocco) Faga. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1961. On June 25, 1966 she married Stephen R. Zabko, Sr. with whom she shared a caring relationship built on the values of respect, love, and concern. Their marriage was happy and stable, and they were of one mind and heart for 26 years, prior to Stephen’s passing on October 16, 1992. Donna worked as a Customer Service Representative for Oneida National Bank, also known as Fleet Bank. She paused her life to her raise her family and after the passing of her husband, she returned to the work force at Fleet Bank in the Customer Answering Center. She worked in that capacity until her retirement due to her illness. Donna was known for her baking and cooking, especially her chocolate chip cookies. Festive holidays were filled with joy, and she loved decorating her home and hosting guests in a warm and inviting environment. An autumn ride on a crisp, colorful day soothed her soul. Special times were shared catering to her grandchildren’s lives. She loved to follow their life events via videos, always concerned and involved. She had an inspirational phrase that she shared with them as a sign of her support and confidence in them; “I can do it, gramma!” As her grandchildren’s stage in life changed, they affectionately asked her to put close to her heart the phrase, “You can do it, gramma!” Donna was a resilient soul, without question, and her children admired her strength and fierce independence. She embraced her challenges and persevered, even though she had been fighting a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis for over 20 years. She strived to live life as normal and free-spirited as possible. When she gracefully retired, she filled her working void by the admirable act of volunteering. She was proud of serving as a Board Member and advocate for the Seniors of Municipal Housing; it was her greatest accomplishment because she was honored to have a voice for her fellow seniors. She also took the time to read to school children. She practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. In more recent years, her birthdays were celebrated with her children and grandchildren at the Aud, rooting for her Utica Comets - her special day could not have been any better! Even though Donna lost a portion of leading a productive life, she willingly gave up her automobile on her own terms. She rose to many occasions, with grace and dignity. Donna’s greatest graces were the blessing of her children and grandchildren. She credits her good life to a wonderful upbringing, her own sense of values, and the special people the Lord sent into her life. Donna is survived by her children and their spouses, Stephen R. “Steve” Jr. and Sheryl Zabko, Ronald E. “Ron” and Kara Zabko, and Sherri Ann Zabko-McGuire and husband Christopher; her grandchildren, Karina Marie and her significant other Zachary Ellis, and Connor Stephen Zabko; Alexa Marie, and Zachary Ronald Zabko; Victoria Elizabeth, Christopher Stephen, and Isabella Josephine McGuire; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Janice Faga; and her sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Richard Lockwood. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Terri (Joe) DiGaetano, Vicki (Fred) Heydorn; Aaron Lockwood, Adam (Valerie) Lockwood, Andrew (Jessica) Lockwood; David Geer, and Jennifer (Charles) Pluta; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Mary Ann and James Geer; and Carolyn Lomeo-Kropp who knew the motherly love of Donna who appreciated her dedication and the bond they shared. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Costy Zabko. The family wishes to thank Donna’s friends at the Meadows with whom she shared her life and the Transportation personnel of the Senior Network who were so compassionate and sensitive to her needs. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at her home parish, St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave, Utica. All are welcome to attend Donna’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence at 12:00 noon immediately upon the conclusion of visitation at the church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Expressions of sympathy in the form of contributions may be considered in Donna’s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society - Upstate New York online at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or by mail to MS Society Chapters/NYR Upstate New York, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 900, Rochester, NY 14620. Envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please take a moment to connect with Donna’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Donna M. (Faga) Zabko

January 4, 1945 - October 3, 2020