Obituary of Mira A. Zavatsky

Mira Ann (Maneri) Zavatsky, our beloved “Big Mi,” unexpectedly passed away on June 27th at the age of 61. Mira had a huge heart and a free spirit that brought excitement wherever she went. Her zest for fun and boundless energy led her to live life to the fullest, experiencing and overcoming more than ten lifetimes' worth of adventures and challenges.

Mira was born on December 20th, 1962, in Poughkeepsie, NY, and was the daughter of Anthony and Eleanor Maneri. She attended Arlington High School, where she met her lifelong best friends, Lori Mikus, Jamie Murphy, and Cathy Drivas. From an early age, it was clear that Mira had a gift for connecting with all types of people. Her personality filled any room she entered.

From her early days at Hungry Harry’s on the Main Mall in Poughkeepsie to founding Z’s Deli on Rt 44 in Pleasant Valley NY with then Husband, Kane Zavatsky, her inviting spirit made both establishments staples in their respective communities. She was the secret sauce that attracted loyal fan bases. Following, Mira chose a variety of jobs that allowed her warm heart and compassion to shine. From her near-decade tenure at the Anderson School to her time at Hudson River Housing, she was an advocate, a voice, and a friend to many.

Mira lived by her work-hard, play-harder mentality, embracing life's challenges with a fearless spirit. She took on the world with unyielding courage, despite a multitude of health issues that strained her ‘9 lives’. No matter what life threw at her, she faced it head-on with a smile and an unbreakable spirit.

Mira loved sports (football and NASCAR), vacations, and spending time with friends and family - living a life full of simple joys. When she had nothing to give, she gave herself, earning a special place in the hearts of many.

She leaves behind her beloved sons,
Dustan and Dillan Zavatsky; her new granddaughter, Shay; her daughter-in-law, Lexi, and future daughter-in-law, Kim Fortunato; her older sisters, Nori Lansing and Eva Brophy; her older brothers, Nick and Eugene Maneri; friend Jami Barry who cared for Mira like family, ex-husband Kane Zavatsky; her extended family, and an infinite number of people who called her a friend.

She will be deeply missed, but the fond memories of her will continue to uplift us all. Without anything holding her down, as we feel the breeze, we know she is flying—carefree and wild as ever.

Visiting Hours will be at the Timothy Doyle Funeral Home on Friday, July 5th from 3-7pm, 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY  12603. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Church at 1590 Main St. in Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 Saturday July 6th.