On May 14, 2025 the angels took our mother Margaret Fay Zaborsky up to heaven where family await her arrival.
She comes from a long line of hard-working people. Her mother’s side emigrated from Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl era. They made it to Turlock, hoping for a better life. Her father’s side was already living in the Salinas Valley where they farmed and became welders and mechanics.
Margaret was born in Turlock on December 20, 1940. Growing up, she lived in Modesto, Don Pedro, and Flagstaff, Arizona. At a young age Margaret took a primary role raising her younger sister, Mary Beth, while their parents worked. This relationship lasted throughout their adult lives. Margaret was the rock that Mary Beth relied on, just as Margaret was the quiet foundation holding up her family.
She graduated from Turlock High School in 1958. Margaret married Albert D. Zaborsky at St. Matthias Church in Oakdale on April 2, 1960. They lived in Oakdale where Rory Zaborsky, Albert’s younger brother, became the little brother she never had.
Margaret was a homemaker. She knew how to crochet, knit, and sew. She was an excellent cook and baker.
Margaret and Albert raised five children; Donna, Jay, the twins Sheryl and Carol, and Gary. Margaret and Albert were married for 65 years.
When Albert retired from Hunt’s Cannery after 44 years, Margaret and Albert chose to live in Pioneer so they would be halfway between his parents in Minden, Nevada and her mother in Oakdale. They provided care for Albert’s parents until they passed. Margaret’s mother decided to live with Mary Beth in Riverbank until she passed.
The family would like to include a special thank you to Rick and Shirley Morasca, their neighbors in Pioneer. Rick and Shirley always helped the Zaborsky’s without a second thought. Margaret often said, “I’m grateful to have such wonderful neighbors.”
To Jerrell Blake Jr., thank you for being momma’s 911. She admired you. She loved your holiday meals, delivered with company.
Margaret leaves quite a legacy, from her five children; Donna Salter, Jay Zaborsky (RIP), Sheryl Brady, Carol Blake-Zaborsky and Gary Zaborsky. Six grandchildren; Sarah Zaborsky, Casaundra Salter, Kaitlyn Zaborsky, Justin Osborn, Alan Osborn, and Christopher Blake. Seven great-grandchildren; Bodie Brier, Natalie Luna, Nevaeh Salter, Michael Joseph, Matilda Mae, Anthony John, and Jayden Tristan.
Instead of flowers or mementos, Margaret expressed she wanted people to send donations to Amador Special Olympics, PO Box 914, Pioneer, CA 95666.
A celebration of life will be held June 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Pioneer, CA.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
June 4, 2025
