Angelene Rose Zaby, our treasured mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on August 17, 2023. Angie was born in Dallas on August 18, 1928, to Sicilian immigrants, Salvatore (Sam) and Giuseppa (Josephine) Farina. She was the second youngest of 7 siblings, Pete Farina, Mary Vullo, Ciro Farina, Laura Arnone, Josie Foto, and Sam Farina, all of whom were first generation Italian-Americans.

Angie enjoyed a happy childhood on her family’s farm in Bunkie, Louisiana, where, by her own admission, she avoided farmwork as much as possible. When she was sixteen, she returned to Dallas to work as a waitress for her brother Pete and his wife, Nancy, at their Lakewood restaurant Bert’s Burgers and Fries. In 1947, Angie met her future husband, Manuel Zaby, Sr. on a blind date that was set up by his twin sister, Ann, and her husband, Luke Rener, who took them to White Rock Lake for a boat ride and picnic. Cleverly, they were sent off together on a motorboat and were left with only enough gas for the couple to make it to the middle of the lake. A life-long romance was sparked. Manuel and Angie married on November 25, 1948, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Dallas. They settled in East Dallas where they raised their two children, Manuel and Marcia.

Angie may have only been 4’11” with her hair permed high, but she had a vivacious, energetic personality and a unique ability to relate to everyone she met. At work, Angie was known for her warmth and infectious joy and she made many life-long friends. She served as the hostess at the downtown Sanger Harris Carnation Room restaurant, and later became celebrated as the “candy lady,” working behind the candy counter at the Sears Ross Avenue store for over 28 years. She was well known for giving away more samples than she sold with the blessing of store managers who recognized her ability to befriend and bring in loyal customers.

As a parent, Angie taught her children how to live a full and happy life. She was a devoted wife, an active parent, a devout member of St. Thomas Aquinas, and close friend to many. Angie participated in the PTA at Lee, Long, and Woodrow as the “Sunshine Chairperson.” She took pride in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s football games, swim meets, soccer matches, ballet recitals, OM competitions, and graduations. She took great pleasure in hosting and socializing with friends on Friday nights, dancing at the Elk’s Club or playing Canasta or Scrabble. She was thrilled to participate in her grandchildren’s weddings and to hold her grandchildren’s babies. Angie will be remembered for the endless pots of minestrone soup she cooked for sick family members, the big hugs she gave anyone who visited, and the small bowl of Hershey’s bars she always kept within reach of the grandkids.

Angie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Manuel Zaby, Sr., all of her siblings, and her parents. She is survived by her son, Manuel and his wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Fagin Zaby; daughter, Marcia and her husband, Rick Savard; grandchildren, Adam Zaby and his wife, Laura Smith, of San Antonio; Allison Zaby and her husband, Dr. Michael Buhrmester, of Austin; Rev. Vy Nguyen and his wife, Linh Bui, of Alameda, California; and Ryan Savard and his wife, Elizabeth, of Dallas; seven great-grandchildren and numerous, much-loved nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank Angie’s caregivers, especially Denise Love and the team at Griswold Home Care; CC Young Hospice; and her nephew, John Arnone of New York who was a constant and attentive support to her with weekly calls and frequent visits, particularly during her later years. Each in their own way kept her happy and made her feel loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the C.C. Young Foundation Benevolence Fund or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.