Amelia M Zabinski

Amelia (Amy) Zabinski age 90, a compassionate soul who touched the lives of everyone who knew her, passed peacefully at home in Little Egg Harbor surrounded by her loving family on May 13, 2024. She was born in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey on April12, 1934 to her loving parents Nickolena and William Rufolo.

After attending Brookdale Community college and continuing her education at Georgian Court University, she earned her degree in Human Services. Amy worked as a Hospice social worker at Freehold Area Hospital where she was instrumental in implementing the program “Hospice Without Walls,” providing comfort and care in her role as a Hospice worker. She was also the recipient of the “Woman of Achievement Award” in 1986 for her work in the health care field.

Amy had a deep reverence for her Italian heritage, which was evident in everything she did. Her Sunday dinners were a pillar of our family tradition; She was a true matriarch. Amy cherished family above all else, finding joy in the simple moments spent together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Her love for her family was evident in every dish she prepared. The aroma of simmering gravy, with meatballs, sausage and neck bones, on the stove was a staple in her home every Sunday morning. After dinner, there was always anisette and espresso in the demi-tasse set passed down from her Mother. Amy’s heart was as warm as her Sunday dinners!

With a passion for sweets and a talent for baking, she brought joy to the community as the owner of “Amy’s Dessert Shoppe.” Her baked goods, creative confections and specialty ice creams served the Millstone Twp community for many years.

Amy, a talented writer, shared stories in her weekly newspaper column “Reflecting from A to Z,” capturing the essence of humanity with grace and empathy, reminding us of beauty in everyday moments. As a published author, she also penned two novellas. Her love of acting led her to establish the Millstone Twp Community Theater where she enjoyed not only writing plays, but also acting in them. In her free time, she enjoyed painting, drawing, sculpting and sewing.

She was a communicant of St. Theresa’s Parish in Little Egg Harbor for 25 years, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and chaired various ministries. She was a woman of faith who loved the lord by the life she lived, by the words she spoke, by the service she rendered, and by her every action.

Amy always expressed that her greatest accomplishment was raising her six children with her loving and devoted husband Conrad, whom she was married to for 69 years. She is survived by her children Barry (Karen) Zabinski, Cheryl (Tom) Pacheco, Brian (Barbara) Zabinski, Cathy(Carla) Levanduski, Carolyn(Todd) Zabinski, and Christine (Randy) Hunter, her 15 grandchildren , 8 great grandchildren and many friends and relatives.

Let us hold on to the memories we shared, the lessons she taught us and the love she so freely gave. Her spirit will forever live in our hearts and her presence will be deeply missed. Her love and legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.