Mary Elizabeth Zagata

After a beautiful and selfless life, Mary Elizabeth (Spath) Zagata, of Lakeland, passed on into heaven on Monday at University Hospital surrounded by her husband and children. Marybeth was considered by many to be an angel on earth. She was known for her kind and caring manner, always putting others before herself. Her unwavering faith was central to her existence; she was a devout Catholic, attending daily mass and acting as a "prayer warrior" for others in need. She had a profound and everlasting impact on those fortunate enough to have known her, right up until her final days. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, John; and her four grateful children, John (Jennifer) of Morristown, NJ, Ryan (Thea) of Brooklyn, Elizabeth (Scott Cuyler) of Avon, CT and Barbara (Vincent) Salvagni of Baldwinsville. She also leaves behind her devoted father, John Spath of East Greenbush; a large and loving group of siblings, Jack (Carol), Charles (Dorothy), Edward (Anne), James (Mary-Ann), William (Janet), Timothy (Jill), Thomas (Marybeth), Joan (Christopher), and Margaret (Joel) and her brother-in-law, Roger Rosenthal. Marybeth is also mourned by an extended family including several brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was blessed with a group of treasured friends as well. The true joy of her life was found in the smiles and love of her nine grandchildren, Daniel, Hannah, Jack, Leah, Audra, Luka, AnnaSophia, Elodie and Alexandra. Her role as a grandmother was unparalleled. Marybeth was predeceased by her mother, Mary; and sister, Anne Rosenthal. Born on September 17, 1950, Marybeth grew up in Rensselaer and graduated from St. John's Academy. She went on to attend nursing school at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Syracuse. Her nursing career included time spent at the NICU at both St. Joseph's and Crouse Hospitals as well as the private practice of Dr. Jose Vargas. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, July 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be Friday, August 1 at 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home and 9:30 a.m. in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Mary will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY. Marybeth was known for her generosity and thoughtfulness often shown through the sending of cards and gifts. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to send a card to someone they care about. Published in Syracuse Post Standard from July 28 to July 29, 2014