SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dolores Alonzo, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026.

Born September 23, 1937, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the eldest child of Joseph and Dorothy Alonzo. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, she married William Diggins and raised her family while simultaneously putting herself through college.

She went on to become a registered nurse, starting her career with New York State at Mount McGregor Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Wilton Developmental Center. As a nurse supervisor, she dedicated her career to caring for her clients with deep compassion and respect. Following her retirement, she traveled and lived for a time in Washington, where she earned a degree in theology from Washington State. She later moved to Florida, where she built many friendships and enjoyed her daily swims.

Dolores enjoyed volunteering; As a young mom she was a Cub Scout leader and after retirement she served meals at soup kitchens, worked food pantries, and cared for people at Mary’s Haven.  She was a fierce Scrabble player and was known as the “queen of two-letter words”. She loved spending time with her sister, Loralee, going for drives, thrifting and enjoying coffee.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved son, David Diggins; her brother, Joseph Alonzo; and her former husband and father of her children, William Diggins.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Merchant (Brian), William Diggins (Kathy), Denise Woodcock (Richard), Patrick Diggins (Lora), and Loralee Diggins; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loralee Vanhorne; her brother, Phillip Alonzo; her sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Ernest Hammond; her favorite sister-in-law, Elaine Alonzo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolores showed her love quietly. She may not have always had the words to express it to those closest to her, but her love was felt.  Her memory will live on in her family and friends who loved her deeply, and she will be truly missed.

Dolores’ family has chosen to honor her privately.  In her memory, we ask those who wish to honor her to take a moment each day to be kind to someone they meet: help someone in need, volunteer, or just do something to make someone smile. 

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

LAKE LUZERNE – Sharon Ann Pratt, age 70, passed away February 4,2026 at Albany Med. Sharon was born December 4,1955 in Saratoga Springs NY. The daughter of the late Esther (Vandenburgh)and Walter Decker. Sharon is survived by her previous husband Gordon Pratt and four children, John Decker (Cindy) of Lake Luzerne, Sheryl Gault (Mike) of Connecticut, Tammy Pratt (Terry) of West Chazy and Justin Pratt (Miranda) of West Chazy. Several  grandkids and great grandkids. She is also survived by three sisters Edna, Dawn, and Janice and two brothers Walt and Chuckie. She was predeceased by her sisters Sandy and Joyce, brothers Billy, Bobby and Paul and her parents Walter and Esther Decker. Sharon loved butterflies, unicorns, and dolphins. She loved to play cards, dance, cook, and bowl. She was famously known for her buckeye balls and Milky Way pie. Services for Sharon will be Friday, February 27, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs NY from 1 – 3 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Daniel Joseph Van Buskirk, 56, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born February 8, 1970, in Troy, NY, to Raymond E. and Eileen Van Buskirk.  Daniel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, and strong work ethic. He had a natural way of making people laugh, lighting up a room with his humor and storytelling. Those who knew him will carry forward his perseverance and the faith that guided his life.

Daniel was a true master of his craft. A skilled carpenter, electrician, and handyman, he built a career defined by precision, creativity, and pride in every detail. From early work running communication lines through local businesses to completing custom cabinetry in extraordinary homes, Daniel left his mark through the things he built with his hands. He finished his career at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, where he took great pride in maintaining and improving a place dedicated to excellence. He was known as the person family called when something needed to be fixed and he was always willing to help.

Outside of work, Daniel embraced life fully. He cherished time with friends and family, loved a good laugh, and rarely missed a chance to celebrate the moment. He was a passionate fan of the San Francisco 49ers, proudly cheering them on with his signature “Bang Bang.” He was also a man of strong convictions and spoke openly about what he believed in.

Above all, Daniel’s faith was central to who he was. He openly shared his belief that Jesus was his Savior, and he found comfort, strength, and hope in that faith throughout his life. Those who loved him take peace in knowing that faith carried him home.

Daniel is survived by his daughters Amanda (Jason) McMillen, Mariah (Zachary) Fanning, Emily (James) Braun, and their mother Carmen Emerich-Dennison; his father Raymond E. (Celia) Van Buskirk; his grandchildren Jason McMillen, and Olivia and Emily Fanning; his sister Lori (Daniel) Meguin; and his nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Van Buskirk, and his brother, Raymond C. Van Buskirk.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28 from 1 to 4 pm at Mama Mia’s in Saratoga. All friends and family are welcome.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.