Mary Antonette Zabin (Savoy), 92, of Bradenton, passed away peacefully in her home on May 30, 2024.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anton and Angeline Nikias and came to Bradenton in 1991 from Wayne, Illinois. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Manatee (Bradenton) Opera Guild serving as President, Vice-President and several committee chairs over the years. A retired secondary education social studies teacher of 30 years, with most of those years serving at Barrington High School in Barrington, IL, where she gave her heart and soul to her students and developed innovative teaching methods such as the American Civilization Travel Seminar (ACTS) program.
A graduate of Alverna High School and Mundelein College in Chicago as well as advanced studies at State University of New York at Stony Brook. A lifelong learner herself, after retirement she co-founded Intelx, Inc. an economic seminar for educators held during the summers in New York City.
She met the love of her life, Dr. James Zabin, at a student's wedding and they were married for 27 beautiful years before his passing in 2008. She was passionate about life and dedicated to her family. A consummate host, her home was the center of joyful family celebrations and gatherings of friends. She and Jim were avid world travelers visiting over 60 countries, usually for a month or more at a time.
She was equally passionate about the arts, supporting them with her time, talents and treasure. Those nearest and dearest to her heart were the Manatee (formerly Bradenton) Opera Guild and Sarasota Opera, Manatee Performing Arts Center (Manatee Players), Florida Studio Theater, West Coast Black Theater and the Manatee Symphony Association.
Mary is survived by her brother, Peter Nikias (Katherine); children, Konstantine Savoy (Leah), Marina Anderson (Kirt), Jennifer Washington (Raymond); her seven grandchildren, Alyssa (Aaron), Alethea (Matthew), Tyler (Lauren), Kara (Giuseppe), Joshua, Paula and Karina (Dominic) and seven beautiful great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to any of the above arts organizations.
Visitation will be held 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, June 7, 2024, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34209.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:30, Saturday June 8, 2024, at the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL. Interment at Fogartyville Cemetery immediately following the ceremony at 4200 3rd Ave. NW, Bradenton. Luncheon following at enRich Bistro, 5239 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
