Theresa F. Ziegler

Niskayuna – Theresa Francis Ziegler passed away peacefully at the age of 90 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center on February 1, 2025 after a wonderfully full life.  A long-time resident of Niskayuna, Theresa was born in Scotia, New York on December 3, 1934 to the late Luigi Isabella and Francesca Pirolo Isabella.  Raised in Scotia, New York, she was a graduate of Scotia High School and completed a degree in business education from Albany Business College. Her career began at her cousin’s medical practice and then General Electric before she started working for the State of New York beginning at SUNY-Albany in the early 1970s.  She retired from the Department of Environmental Conservation in 1988, only to return to work for a while when offered another position with the State of New York because of her excellent work history.

Theresa was married for 59 years to Robert Lewis Ziegler and they had four children – William, Rachel, John, and Elaine and lovingly welcomed into their family a daughter-in-law, Christine, and a son-in-law, Randy.  Theresa was a proud wife, mother and grandparent.  She was most devoted to her family throughout her life and provided us with a supportive and loving home.  Her legacy includes teaching us the importance of family, caring for others, and establishing and passing on family traditions that continue today.  She loved to laugh and truly enjoyed making others happy with a funny story, baking Italian cookies and pepper biscuits, or saying “I love you” that always came with a hug. Her sewing talents were on display in her beautiful quilts and the numerous Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed singing and was a member of the St. Helen’s church choir for several years.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bobby, daughter Elaine Kathryn Ziegler, son William Robert Ziegler, and brothers Louis Isabella and Carmine Isabella.  She is survived by her daughter Rachel Ann Hines and son-in-law Randy Hines of Niskayuna; son John Ziegler and daughter-in-law Christine White-Ziegler of Florence, Massachusetts; and her grandchildren Quinn Ziegler and his wife Carey Powers of Missoula, Montana; Parker Ziegler and his partner Bess Hepner of Berkeley, California; and Robert Morgan, his wife Janet Morgan, and their son Max of Washington, New Jersey.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Elena Isabella of Scotia and several nieces and nephews, including Louis and Joani Isabella of Ballston Spa; and Susan Isabella Gabriels and Richard Gabriels of Clifton Park.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 7 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY.

A Mass in celebration of Theresa’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 AM at Saint Kateri Tekawitha Parish, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady, NY.  This will be followed by a private Catholic burial at Saint John’s Cemetery in Schenectady, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in her name to the charity of your choice.  We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Kingsway Arms who provided such loving care and support to Theresa and her family.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.jonesfh.net.