Nancy Zaborski

Nancy Zaborski of Hayden, Idaho passed away Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at home. She was born Sept. 18, 1941, in Chicago to Edward and Dorothy (Herndobler) Kay, also living in St. Louis before her family settled in Milwaukee. It was there she met Andrew Zaborski at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, marrying in 1961.

In 1974, they relocated from Wisconsin to Hayden, Idaho, where she was dedicated to her life as the mother of six, being actively involved in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and school activities. In those years, she was talented and resourceful, in cooking, sewing, gardening and furniture refinishing—hobbies and interests passed to her children, which they enjoy today.

With her youngest in school, she returned to school herself, earning a degree in accounting from Eastern Washington University. She held several jobs, including Frick’s Fine Furniture, before settling at Aerostar Aircraft, where she truly enjoyed her work and her co-workers until her retirement in 2016. Retirement gave her more time to indulge in her love of reading, and she was revisiting favorites from her extensive book collection. Relaxing with a book was an ideal day.

She had a passion for travel that took her to Japan, Europe, Hawaii and Canada, with Lake Louise being a favorite destination that she shared with visiting friends and family. She also enjoyed visits to closer-to-home destinations, always being up for an impromptu getaway.

Her children delighted in creating special events for her milestone birthdays and in 2016, surprised her with an Alaskan Cruise, generating many happy and cherished memories. They even managed to have a cryptic hint published in the Spokesman Review’s “The Slice” column. At the time of her death, they were planning a party to celebrate her 80th.

It was her involvement in Girl Scouts that provided some of her travel opportunities, and where she developed life-long friendships. She also was a supporter of Family Promise, a program that guides families out of homelessness. In her retirement, she volunteered for Trinity Lutheran Church and was serving on the TLC Council.

She is survived by her children Janet of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Valerie (Peter Herbsman) of Jersey City, N.J.; Stephen of Hayden, Idaho; Mark (Christian) of Athol, Idaho; and Karen Shirley (Charles) of Hayden, Idaho; her brothers Bill (Judith) of Mequon, Wis.; and Donald (Heather) of Gallatin, Mo.; brothers-in-law Thomas (Julia) of Oshkosh, Wis.; Richard (Janet) of Loretta, Wis. and sisters-in-law Alice Kay of Dickeyville, Wis. and Annie Zaborski of Colgate, Wis., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Andrew, son Andrew, and brother Richard.

Her family welcomes her many friends to join them at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N Fifth Street, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to celebrate and remember her life. The celebration will be followed by a reception.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Nancy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com