Obituary of Rita Zdgiebloski

Rita Zdgiebloski (née Tansey), 80, of Selkirk, passed away peacefully in her home on July 6th, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born on May 5, 1943 in Blackpool, England. Rita was the 6th child born to the late Francis and Phyllis Tansey, and she was predeceased by her siblings Derrik, Brian and Frank Tansey, Joyce Wittig, and Mavis Long. Rita spent her childhood in England before immigrating to the United States with her sisters Joyce and Mavis. In 1965, Rita married Peter Zdgiebloski, and they would be all but inseparable for the next 57 years. Rita and Peter enjoyed trips to the coast, doing crafts together and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Aside from brief stints as a nanny, and at Albany department stores, Rita stayed home with the boys as a loving mom.  She then spent her entire career working for the NYS Education Department, specializing in the administration of state testing. She enjoyed close friendships with her coworkers, and always had great stories to tell about her time there. When not working or spending time with her husband and sons, Rita enjoyed painting, woodcarving, bargain hunting, couponing, cooking, and movies. Her family describe her as a wiz at mental math, as well as a caring and compassionate maternal figure. She cared deeply about those around her. 

Rita is survived by her loving husband, Peter Zdgiebloski and her sons Peter and Brian Zdgiebloski. She was a terrific mother-in-law to Cathy and Judy Zdgiebloski. Rita is also survived by her grandchildren Ian, Geoffrey and Stephen Zdgiebloski and Emma (John) LaTorre (née Zdgiebloski). Rita was looking forward to meeting her first great grandchild, Luka. Rita is also survived by her brother John (Sue) Tansey, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved niece Barbara (Dave) Reed.

A memorial visitation will be held at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm, immediately followed by a celebration of life gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rita’s honor to Community Hospice, 310 So. Manning Blvd., Albany NY 12208.