Saratoga Springs, NY - Mary Frances Perks Zabala, age 93, beloved wife, mother, friend, and coworker, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family after a brief illness, on the morning of May 12, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Mary was born in Lake Placid, NY on October 18, 1932. She moved to Saratoga as a child with her mother, Alice, a native of Saratoga. Mary lived at 101 State Street and cherished Saratoga Springs, easily making friends and maintained a lifelong friendship of 90 years with Barbara White Smaldone.

Mary graduated from Saratoga High School in 1950. She met Steve, the love of her life, through her friend who arranged a ride home for Mary after her shift as a switchboard operator at the phone company. Their first date was at the St. Clements Grotto shrine to the Blessed Mother, where Mary brought her mother along—a story her children found so humorous. Mary and Steve were married on September 16, 1951, in St. Clements Church. They settled in their family home, where they raised five children and lived for the rest of their lives. They were the longest-standing married members of St. Clements Church, having married in the original church below the school. They renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary just days after 9/11, and their 70th anniversary was featured in The Evangelist Newspaper. Mary was always actively engaged in both her work and the community.

She contributed to St. Clement’s Church and School, hosting around 60 priests, brothers, a bishop, and was recognized by the Redemptorist for her care of the St. John Neuman Residence confreres. Mary also supported St. Peters/Saratoga Central Catholic, was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 75 years, a founding member of Our Ladies of Charity, participated in the annual Festival of Trees, and served as Republican Committee Woman in Saratoga County.

Mary’s career included working in the admissions office at Skidmore College, then she became the first woman acting Commissioner of Jurors for Saratoga County. She later worked for Saratoga DPW, supporting Tom McTygue and Sam Downing, and interfacing with Mary Lou Whitney’s assistant to help organize the annual Whitney Stakes Gala. Mary looked forward to receiving Mary Lou’s Christmas card the day after Thanksgiving each year. Mary completed her professional career as a real estate agent enjoying helping people find their forever home. Mary was known for her kind, caring, and generous personality. She consistently demonstrated warmth and understanding toward others, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer support to those in need. She loved traveling to visit friends in Massachusetts, enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, Atlantic City, vacations in Europe, Hawaii, wintering in Myrtle Beach for 18 years, taking up golf, and finding great shopping deals. Mary was known for her apple pie making from a tree in the backyard and last summer made a record amount of 27 and shared with family, friends and even her doctors.

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 74 years; Steve whose passing was a little over 8 months ago. Her mother Mary Alice O’Connell Perks, her father Walter C. Perks, her brother Charlie W. Perks, and her uncle Charles O’Connell.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Steve (Stephanie) Zabala, Gerard (Lynn) Zabala, Bob (Barbara) Zabala, Maryanne Zabala, Patti (John) Di Stasio; grandchildren James, Stephen, Micol, Nicholas, Graceanne, Veronica, Suzanne, Dana, Derek, beloved grand dog Schuyler and 14 great-grandchildren and her niece Joanne Zabala.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Catholic Charities 142 Regent St, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866

St Clement’s Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866

St. Clement’s School 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866

*Make a note on check memo field – In Memory of Mary Zabala

Online condolences may be offered at burkefuneralhome.com

The family wishes to thank Mary’s devoted caregivers over the last few years: Rebecca Leonardo, Heather Barton, Stephanie Zabala, Heidi Laramie-Adams, and Liz Benton. Additional gratitude goes to Saratoga Palliative Care (Dr. John Pezzula, Mitch Forshey, PA) for their loving care, Saratoga Hospice Services, Saratoga Cardiology (Dr. Singh), Dr. Nicholas Kondo, Carl Sgambati and Saratoga Family team, Dr. Alex Gartner of Center for Clear Hearing. In addition, Bob Lee, Carol Ann Micari and the team at the Brook Tavern, and Morton’s Adam Marra and his team for their kindness to Mary and Steve and always greeting them warmly.