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R. Zavaski Obituary
ITHACA - R. Merle Zavaski, age 85, of Ithaca, died Tuesday afternoon, September 23, 2008, at her residence. Merle was born in Ithaca, the daughter of the late Elmer and Janet Johns.
Prior to retirement, she was employed by the Selective Service in Ithaca as an administrative assistant. Merle was an active member of the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees where she was the honorary Vice-President. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, and keeping up with her family's genealogy.
Survivors include her two sons, Stephen Zavaski II and David (Donna) Zavaski; two grandchildren, Michelle (Ramell) Starks and Christopher (Stacy Nickerson) Zavaski; two great-grandchildren, Cosey Starks and Connor Zavaski; a sister, Ruth Abbott; two nieces, Jean Nash and Janet Abbott. She is predeceased by her husband, Stephen John Zavaski, who died in January 1986.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 26, 2008, at 11 a.m., at the Herson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Zavaski
Bill Nivison
September 26, 2008
Dear Steve and Dave,
I am saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I have a lot of fond memories of her, and always admired her. Though I haven't seen her since the passing of your father, I did talk to her a three or four years ago on the phone. At that point she seemed just like she did when we were kids. She remembered things that even I didn't remember about my childhood. On thing I will always remember is the chex-mix that she made on the day that our house burned. She took all four of us in that day and made us feel comfortable that day, even though at that point we had no idea what was actually burning at the house. I have never had chex-mix that good again. I only hope that her passing was peaceful and painless. She was a good person and will be greatly missed by many. God Bless You
Bill Nivison, (Aurora, NY)
Allen Fulkerson
September 26, 2008
Dear David and Stephen: I am saddened at the loss of your mom. Merle was a favorite of mine and especially one of my mom's favorite people. If I can help in anyway, please don't hesitate to ask.
Allen & Gail Fulkerson
Don & Vivian Murray
September 26, 2008
Dear Family- your Mom was a childhood partner of mine in mischief!! I will miss talking with her on the phone from time to time.
lynn fulkerson haak
September 26, 2008
Dear David & Stephen- our thoughts & prayers are with you and yours at this really sad time. My childhood was much more fun because of your folks!
chuck house
September 26, 2008
dear dave and family: being born and brought up on floral ave. (233), i have known your mom & dad all my life. few rhiners left. although i have not seen her in several years, i certianly will miss her...chuck house, peggy ann little and charlie.....
Pam Kutka
September 26, 2008
I have been in correspondence with Merle for more than 30 years. I will sorely miss her. Although we never met in person, we shared so very much. God Bless you Merle. Steve, you had a great Mother!
Dan McFall
September 26, 2008
Stephen, and David, I am so sorry to hear of your mom passing. I remember her from Cub Scouts. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
dave osgood
September 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tim Zavaski
September 26, 2008
To our whole Family, so sorry to hear the news of Aunt Merle- missed having the reunion last year! May God bless all of you and may our memories be a joy to all of us as remember her life, one that was well lived! We are sorry we cannot attend the funeral tomorrow but our hearts and prayers are with you all! We love and look forward to seeing you all soon! Tim and Amy Zavaski
Jennifer Newhart-Stansfield
September 25, 2008
I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of R. Merle Zavaski. She was so very helpful when it came to sharing information on my family's genealogy. Her great grandfather, George Washington Jones was married to my great-great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Horning. I will truly miss Merle's correspondance. Now she is at peace and reunited with loved ones from long ago.
Helen Hull
September 25, 2008
Merle was a big help in doing my genealogy. We`re related through the Hatches. I will miss talking to her. Sorry for the loss.
Bill & Sally Targosh
September 25, 2008
Steve,
I was very sorry to hear about your mother. You were very good to her over the years.
Take care of yourself.
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