Mary Saban Pasko, the beloved mother of legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban, passed away this week at the age of 92. Her passing marks the end of a life that was deeply connected to both family and sports, with her unwavering support for her son’s illustrious coaching career being a significant part of her legacy.
Mary is survived by her two children, Nick Saban and Dene Thompson, both of whom she supported wholeheartedly throughout their lives. During Nick Saban’s tenure as the head coach at Alabama, she was a frequent attendee at games, always cheering on the Crimson Tide from the stands.
In an obituary released this Thursday, Pasko was remembered as an “avid sports fan,” a passion she carried with her throughout her life. The obituary, shared by the Tuscaloosa News, provides a glimpse into her early years and her deep-rooted love for sports and community.
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Ruth Mary Saban Pasko was born on July 29, 1932, in Michigan, but she spent most of her life in the small town of Farmington, West Virginia. She was the daughter of Jane and Harry Conaway. During her high school years, she was both a cheerleader and a majorette at Farmington High School, where she met and married Nick Saban Sr., a standout baseball player who would later become instrumental in starting Pop Warner football in their community alongside Willie Criado.
Nick Saban has not yet issued a public statement regarding his mother’s passing. It remains unclear how this personal loss might affect his commitments, including his recent role on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” where he made a successful debut just last weekend.
In lieu of flowers, the Saban family has asked that donations be made to the Nick’s Kids Foundation, a charity close to the Saban family’s heart. This gesture reflects the family’s ongoing commitment to giving back, a value that Mary Saban Pasko embodied throughout her life.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences go out to the Saban family as they mourn the loss of a remarkable woman who played an integral role in shaping the lives of those around her. Mary Saban Pasko’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through her children but also through the countless lives touched by the Nick’s Kids Foundation and the broader community she so dearly loved.
