SARATOGA SPRINGS — Reisa Gould-Donath, 78, died Saturday, July 22 in the early morning hours at home, surrounded by her loving family. Reisa was born in New York City on March 15, 1945 to Jeanette and Robert Silverstein, and grew up with older brother Eric, who predeceased her. 

A true child of New York City, she left home to attend college at Antioch in Ohio, where she met future husband Peter Gould, also of New York City. They married in the late 1960s and had two children, Rachel, born in 1971, and Gabriel, born in 1974. The family moved to Saratoga Springs in 1974, which would remain Reisa’s home for the rest of her life. Reisa and Peter divorced in 1977, and soon thereafter she met Charles Donath of Burlington, Vermont. Reisa and Charles were married in 1982 in Madison, Connecticut. 

Reisa’s career as a nurse started with nursing school for her RN at Adirondack Community College. Later she did her Nurse Practitioner certification and began a long and fulfilling career with Planned Parenthood, culminating in her position as Clinic Coordinator at the Saratoga Springs branch. She continued her education in the mid-1990s, completing her MS in Nursing at Russell Sage College. She strongly believed in women’s health care and was an important part of the health and well-being of many Saratoga-area women. 

Reisa loved animals, and she and Charles founded a local animal rights organization which was active throughout the early 1990s. She was devoted to many beloved pets, most recently her dog Cody, and filled her home with pictures and sculptures of animals. Reisa and Charles enjoyed seeing live music at Caffe Lena, walking in Spa Park, taking drives around Saratoga Lake, and listening to music together.

Reisa is survived by her husband Charles, 70, daughter Rachel, 52, of Ithaca, NY, son Gabriel, 49, of Huntingdon, PA, and grandchildren Elliot, 15, and Silas, 14. She is also survived by her father- and mother-in-law, Frank and Joan “Ducky” Donath, sisters-in-law Amy Carretto and Emilie Donath-Crawford, and Emilie’s husband Robert Crawford, all of Burlington, VT. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Saratoga Regional YMCA, where Reisa was a longtime member, or the Humane Society of the United States, which she supported for many years.

A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Diane A. Sacala passed away on July 9, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at her home. She has taken her place of honor among the angels in heaven. She was 88-years-old.

Diane was born on January 30, 1935 in Troy, NY. She was daughter to the late Helen (Yamin) and Joseph A. Jabour. She grew up as one of seven siblings. Diane went to beauty school to work as a hairstylist, and opened Belinda Ann’s Beauty Shop, a salon she ran out of her home. She was an avid bowler, loved golf, old country music and spending time with her family and friends. A woman of faith, Diane was a member of the Catholic Church, and spent many days volunteering her time at the hospital guild. 

Diane was married to the love of her life, the late John J. Sacala in November 1963. Together they had four children. She was a devoted wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Diane’s house was welcoming and open to whomever needed a place to stay. She made everything from scratch: popsicles, yogurt, shortbread cookies – and of course the traditional dishes she would make for holidays like kibbeh, Lebanese grape leaves and pierogies. 

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Diane is predeceased by her brother Solomon Jabour.

Diane is survived by her sisters Marsha Ernest, Helen Dundon, Elaine Miakisz, Rose Wertman and her brother Joseph Jabour. She is also survived by her children Joseph (Jamie) Sacala, Belinda (Shawn) Quick, Mark Sacala, and Scott (Jamie L. Cotter) Sacala; her niece Melissa Jabour; as well as 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be dearly missed.

A Mass will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14 at St. Joseph’s Church, 3159 State Hwy 9N, Greenfield Center. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Diane’s Life at her home following services at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory can be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga County. communityhospice.org 518-724-0242

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.