Ruth Fafard

West Sand Lake — Ruth (Spenziero) Fafard, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, with her loving husband, Paul, and her niece, Ruthie, by her side after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Dominic and Ruth (Pickett) Spenziero.

Ruthie was born in Albany on November 26, 1938. She worked for many years at Tobin Packing, and later at Friendly Home Parties, Sterling Winthrop, and Walmart.

She was a member of T.O.P.S., a healthy eating support group, where she made many lasting friendships.

Ruthie was thoughtful, caring, and deeply devoted to her family. She was always there when someone needed anything. She loved to talk, enjoyed meeting new people, and was an avid reader—especially of James Patterson, having read all of his books. She enjoyed garage sales and had a talent for negotiating a bargain. Her favorite pastime was crocheting and playing her computer games.

Ruthie is survived and will be dearly missed by her husband, Paul, with whom she shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. She also leaves her beloved children, Charlene (Angel) Gonzalez of Mexico and Mike Hoban of Albany; her stepson, Randy Fafard; her sister Arlene Grant Isenbergh; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Along with her parents, Ruthie is predeceased by her son, Shawn Finnigan, and her siblings: Dominic Spenziero, Joseph Spenziero, Margaret Spenziero, Catherine Bujak, and Jean Bakerian.

The family would like to thank Liz Tice for the special care she provided to Ruth during her illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12–2 p.m. at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruthie’s memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204, or to “Friends of the Rensselaer Public Library,” 676 East Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144.