Agnes S. Zavaski

Agnes S. Zavaski, 94, lifelong resident of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her children on August 21, 2023, at the Hospicare residence, Ithaca, NY.  Born in Lansing on July 15, 1929, she was one of four children of the late Alex and Anna (Zifchock) Smith. 

Agnes was a graduate of Ludlowville High School.  She married the love of her life, Robert S. Zavaski, on June 22, 1957, shortly after he was discharged from the US Coast Guard.  They enjoyed 63 years together until his passing on January 7, 2021.  Agnes was previously employed as bookkeeper at Robinson & Carpenter, Cayuga Crushed Stone, and most recently, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

A proud and faithful lifelong parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church in Lansing, Agnes was involved with All Saints Rosary Makers for world missions and the Lansing community blood drives at the church.  She also enjoyed knitting baby blankets and prayer shawls for charity.  Agnes always had some knitting in progress, a book nearby and a word puzzle beside her.  One of her greatest loves was spending time with her grandchildren.

In recent years, Agnes was a resident of Brookdale Assisted Living in Ithaca and leaves behind the family she made there.

Agnes is survived by her children, Juliann (Philip) Nelson, Francine (Jeffery) Hayhurst, Gerard (Damita) Zavaski, and Regina (Wayne) Genung; grandchildren, Zachary (Alexandra) Nelson and Michaela (Elias) Fernandez, David and Victor Hayhurst, Alexander, Sarah and Emma Zavaski, and Nicole (Travis) Bartlett and Melissa Genung; great-granddaughters, Sophia and Olivia Nelson; beloved dog, Penny; and many dear cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Anna (George) Beckwith, Mary (Louis) Polanski, and John J. (Evelyn) Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Jorge Ramirez at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at All Saints Church, 347 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY 14882.  Interment will follow in Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, King Ferry, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to All Saints Church or to Hospicare.