Gina Scala Bachner

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mrs. Gina Scala Bachner, 94, passed away peacefully in Saratoga Springs on December 1, 2021, where she had been a resident for the past six years. She was predeceased by her brothers, C. George Scala and James M. Scala, who passed away in November 2007 and January 2021, respectively.

Gina Maria Scala was born on June 8, 1927, in Utica, the only daughter and middle child of the late Carmine George and Mary Jane (Ferlo) Scala. Raised in Clinton, NY, Gina spent her childhood with many extended family members from the surrounding areas of Rome and Utica. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1945, and in 1949, received her BS degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego (formerly known as Oswego State Teachers College) where she was an active member of the Arethusa Sorority, and excelled in field hockey, soccer, basketball, and softball.

Wanting to make a difference in the lives of young children, Gina was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a teacher. During her senior year of college, she accepted a first-grade teaching position at the former Kingsboro Elementary School in Gloversville, NY. Gina remained in Gloversville, raised four children, and returned to teaching full time, initially at Park Terrace Elementary and subsequently at McNab Elementary School. She was an active member of the Gloversville PTA, Troop Leader for both the Brownies and Girl Scouts, member of St. Mary’s Church, Sacred Heart Church, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. She served as a tutor and mentor for many children of various ages during her tenure as a schoolteacher.

Gina retired from her teaching career in 1989. In retirement, she became an adoring “Nana” to her ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished above all. Gina was devoted to college and professional basketball, football, and youth baseball, and any sport in between season. Regular visits and phone calls from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the highlight of her life. 

Gina touched the lives of many with her compassion, care, and kindness. An accomplished athlete and avid sports fan, especially anything related to Syracuse basketball, she was a talented knitter, seamstress, and needle pointer, leaving behind many treasures for future generations to enjoy. She was a devout Catholic, who placed her faith in God above all. Gina is to be forever remembered for her wisdom, indomitable spirit, spunk, sense of humor, positive, optimistic, and cheerful disposition, and most importantly, her willingness to offer her physical, mental, and emotional help and support to those in need, including her former students, her many friends, and her beloved family.

Gina’s spirit lives on through her four children and their spouses, including her son Mark (Karen) Bachner of Cicero, NY, and daughters, M. Lynn Bachner of Saratoga Springs, Suzanne Bachner (Hugh Davis) of Saratoga Springs, and Amy Hartwell of Billerica, MA; her ten wonderful grandchildren, Jonathan and Timothy Bachner, Jameson and Cameron Toole, Peter and John Davis, and Sara (Aubert) Ndjolba, Bobby, Kelsey, and Abigail Hartwell; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Amelia, and Isaiah Ndjolba; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Historic Church of Saint Peter, located at 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery located in Clinton, NY in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/give.html, Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at www.helpfightra.org, or Rheumatology Research Foundation at www.rheumresearch.org.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com