Obituary of Barbara C. Zatarga

Barbara Celine Zatarga, at age 71, after a long struggle with cancer, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019. She leaves behind her loving husband of 42 years, Andrew, and her loving daughter, Celine Renee. Barbara was a lifelong resident of New York. She was a proud resident of Bedford for the past 26 years. Before Bedford, she lived East Northport on Long Island for 14 years. She was born and raised in Woodside, Queens. Affectionately known as Mrs. Z, she was the Administrative Assistant for Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Fox Lane High School for 20 years. She provided continuity as the silent hand supporting seven Athletic Directors. She was beloved by all students and coaches and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. She was a sensitive, committed, and strong mother figure and friend to many at Fox Lane. Mrs. Z retired two years ago to spend more time with family and focus on her recovery. Barbara's career began at Irving-Trust company on Wall Street in Manhattan. She then worked at Morgan Guaranteed on Madison Avenue as the Executive Secretary to the head of all private banking. Her intelligence, talent, and exceptional skills in grammar and spelling was duly recognized as she was selected to attend the prestigious Bank's Officers Training Program. Barbara's creativity truly blossomed at Fox Lane High School and in each one of her daughter, Celine's, classrooms, where she was able to express her artistic imagination and design talent. She truly loved decorating bulletin boards, making t-shirt frames to advertise the success of teams, and planning and executing fun events for students of all ages. Barbara's organizational skills were something to emulate - she kept everything in order with labels, folders, and post-it notes at home as well as at work. Barbara was an avid reader and a lover of information, as she enjoyed weekday 7 pm dinners with Alex Trebek (Jeopardy) and challenging her family to a Daily Double or two (she always won!). Barbara also loved traveling to the coast, especially in New England. Her favorite was the Ogunquit, Maine waterfront, where she and her family vacationed often. She liked the sun and enjoyed the chance to escape the New York winters to spend time in her second home in Naples, Florida. Window-shopping was her favorite hobby, especially on 5th Avenue and 3rd Street in Naples. Barbara has an extensive and supportive group of family and friends. Celebrations to commemorate birthdays, graduations, births, and holidays were commonplace. She enjoyed piecing together parts of her family history. One part she was most proud of was her connection to her Northern Italian roots and the Waldensian religion. Barbara and her family are members of the Bedford Presbyterian Church, which will hold a service on Friday May 3rd at 10:00 am. Please feel free to send flowers or make a donation in Barbara's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 She will be sorely missed by many, especially her family.