Obituary of Theresa Zabka

Dudley Theresa Zabka, 94, passed away Thursday, Feb.11, 2021 at her home in Dudley after a long illness. Theresa has now joined her loving husband of 73 years, Steve Zabka, who died in 2017. Theresa lived for the past 26 years with her devoted son David Zabka, daughter-in-law Barbara and their children Aaron Zabka and Madison LaPointe of Atlanta, GA. She also leaves son Joseph Zabka and his wife Florence of FL, daughter Carol Scott of MN, daughter-in-law Joan Zabka of Dudley, son Ronald Zabka and his wife Rosemary of NH, daughter Kathleen Deroko and her husband Kevin of GA, daughter Cynthia Hibbard and her husband Bryant of CT, daughter Patricia Brissette and her husband Glenn of Dudley, and daughter Stephanie Knowlton and her husband Robert of ME. She leaves another twenty grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Theresa was also predeceased by her infant son Stephen Zabka, son John Zabka, and son-in-law Kenneth Scott. Theresa was born in Webster, daughter of the late Anna (Papierski) and Joseph Piasta Sr. She leaves one sister Barbara Novak of Webster, several neices and nephews, including her devoted neice, Sylvia Medeiros of Taunton, MA. She was predeceased by her siblings, Cecelia Milas of Dudley, Dorothy Peters of Webster, Josephine Wagner of Florida, and Joseph Piasta of Webster. Theresa met and married Steven in 1944. They settled in Wilsonville, CT where they built their home and raised their children. Theresa was a very strong and hardworking woman. In addition to raising 10 children and caring for various others over the years, she also worked for years as a textile worker in the area mills. Once their children where grown, Theresa and Steve moved to Clermont, Florida were they enjoyed several years at their home hosting their family and friends. Theresa continued to work in Florida as a housekeeper, meticulously cleaning and caring for the homes of her employers. They returned north in 1994 to spend their remaining days close to their family in Dudley. Once settled, she again went to work at an area hotel where she would rise every weekday at 4 am to go manage the continental breakfast room with same pride and commitment she gave everything. Retiring finally in 2010 due to illness. Theresa loved her family and instilled in them a strong work ethic and pride to care for their families and belongings. She was an avid pitch player and enjoyed playing in several area pitch leagues for many years where her team was usually in contention for the championship. She also loved hosting card nights, playing BINGO, visiting the casino, red wine, polkas, game shows, CSI, and Maddie's dog Trigger! In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday April 23, 2021 at 10 AM St. Anthony of Padua Church 24 Dudley Hill Rd. Committal to follow in St. Josephs Columbarium. Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, 33 Schofield Ave., Dudley, MA. www.bartelfuneralhome.com live stream of her mass at https://stanthony-dudley.org