Teresa Rae "T-Rae" Fobare

NISKAYUNA, NY — Teresa Rae Fobare, lovingly known to many as “T-Rae,” passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the age of 92. A devoted mother of eight, grandmother of 19, and great-grandmother of seven, Teresa leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of love, strength, kindness, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family.

Born on February 28, 1934, in Burke, New York, Teresa was the daughter of the late Peter and Bertha Brooks Callahan. She spent most of her adult life in Niskayuna, New York, where she raised her family, built a successful business, and became a beloved presence in the lives of so many.

Teresa was a remarkable woman whose quiet determination, intelligence, compassion, and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She possessed a rare combination of strength and humility, accomplishing so much throughout her life while never seeking recognition or praise.

An excellent student throughout her school years, Teresa earned nearly straight A’s, with the amusing exception of physical education. She was originally a nurse by trade, having graduated from the A. Barton Hepburn Hospital School of Nursing in Ogdensburg, New York, where she received her training as a registered nurse. Her natural compassion, patience, and desire to care for others were qualities that remained central to who she was throughout her life.

Teresa married Donald Louis Fobare, with whom she shared eight children and built a life centered around family. Tragically, Donald passed away from liver cancer on June 22, 1972, at just 39 years old. Following his death, Teresa faced the enormous responsibility of raising all eight of their children alone.

With extraordinary courage, resilience, patience, and unconditional love, Teresa devoted the remainder of her adult life to her children and grandchildren. In addition to managing the responsibilities of a large household, she assumed ownership and operation of her late husband’s businesses, Fobare Enterprises, which included Dollar Rent A Car, Airport Truck Rentals, and a full-service gas station, which she sold in 1974. She successfully managed the car and truck rental businesses while raising her family, ultimately retiring in early 1998.

Teresa was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Louis Fobare; her parents, Peter and Bertha Brooks Callahan; and her five siblings, Chester, Noreen, Betty, Genevieve, and Robert.

Her eight children—Paul Fobare (Jean), David Fobare (Ellen), Holly Fobare Comanzo (Michael), Joanne Fobare Rossi (Glenn), Gary Fobare, Mark Fobare (Mila), John Fobare (Lisa), and Teresa Dawn “TD” Fobare Szemansco (Michael)—were the center of her world. Through every challenge and every stage of their lives, she remained their constant source of love, encouragement, wisdom, and support.

Teresa was immensely proud of her 19 grandchildren: Kelsie and Kevin Fobare, Matthew Fobare (Hannah), Ethan Fobare; Nicole Comanzo de Sosa (Emilio) and Anthony “Tony” Comanzo (Maura); Katie and Sarah Rossi; Daniel “Danny” Fobare, Peter Fobare (Kara), Thomas, Derek, and Cole Fobare; Fallon Jung Cooper (Zak), Christopher Michael Jung, Braden Jung, and Savannah Jung; and Ethan and Jack Szemansco.

She was equally blessed with seven beloved great-grandchildren: Theodore “Teddy” Comanzo, Samantha, Emilio, and Scarlett Comanzo de Sosa, Thea and Maeve Fobare, and Callahan-Davis “Cal” Cooper. Each new generation brought her tremendous happiness, and nothing delighted her more than seeing her family continue to grow. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

A proud Irish Catholic, Teresa’s faith was a quiet but important foundation throughout her life. She attended Our Lady of Fatima Church, later part of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, and lived her faith through the kindness, generosity, understanding, and compassion she extended to others.

Despite the many responsibilities she carried, Teresa always found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, visiting the Niskayuna Co-op, enjoying chocolate milkshakes and a good slice of apple pie, and, of course, the familiar tradition of a Friday fish fry. She had a special affection for animals and appreciated the comfort of being in her own home, especially the simple pleasure of sleeping in her own bed.

Above all, Teresa loved her family. Her heart and the door to her home were always open—literally. She was thoughtful, generous, humble, and quietly wise, offering guidance without judgment and kindness without expectation. She had an extraordinary ability to make those around her feel loved, accepted, and cared for.

To her children and grandchildren, she was so much more than a mother and grandmother. She was their foundation, their example of perseverance, and the person whose unconditional love carried them through life’s greatest joys and most difficult moments. The sacrifices she made, often quietly and without complaint, were immeasurable.

Teresa lived a long and meaningful life, but the true measure of that life cannot be found simply in her 92 years. It lives in the eight children she raised, the generations that followed, the family she held together, and the countless acts of love and kindness that defined her.

She will be remembered not only for her extraordinary strength and accomplishments, but also for her gentleness, her humility, her wonderful heart, and the deep and enduring love she gave so freely.

Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and the beautiful family she leaves behind will forever be her greatest legacy.

Teresa will be deeply missed, forever loved, and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all whose lives she touched.

Funeral Services and Arrangements

Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union Street, Niskayuna, New York.

Burial will follow the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, where Teresa will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Ave Glenville, NY 12302