Nancy Stanec, 89

Austintown…Nancy Stanec, 89, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Humility of Mary Nursing Home Austintown, Ohio.

Nancy was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 2, 1931 the daughter of Frederick and Mildred (Senkowitz) Trachek.

Nancy attended East High School where she was a member of the Chorale Ensemble, winning awards and several regional talent contests for her singing and guitar playing.

In 1948, she met her future husband John Stanec Sr. who was a popular regional musician that invited her to sing one night with his band.  She soon became the featured singer, guitarist performing with them at concerts, night clubs and weekly Sunday afternoon performances on live radio broadcasts. Her singing ability was discovered by talent scouts that offered her several opportunities to record in Nashville, Tennessee. Although she resisted the offers music always remained an important integral part of her life.

Nancy and John were married October 14, 1950 by the Rev. Father Joseph Kostik at St. Elizabeth Church. They made their home on the East Side of Youngstown for several years eventually settling in Campbell, Ohio. Nancy traded her musical career to become a loving wife, mother and grandmother. An outstanding chef and baker of many of the Eastern European specialties, her addictive halupki, baraki, beef soup, kolachi and apple pie were irresistible. Nancy was extremely proud of her Polish Heritage where both of her parents were born.

Mrs. Stanec was a lifelong active choir member of St. Elizabeth Church and eventually at St. Joseph the Provider Church where she continued to share her love for singing.

Mrs. Stanec is survived by her children John (Linda) Stanec Jr, of Boardman, Joann (Jack) Reno of McDonald, and Thomas (Beverly) Stanec, of Boardman; grandchildren, Lisa (Bajnok) Santucci, David Bajnok, Michelle (Stanec) Zajik and John Stanec III; and three great grand-children, Richard Santucci, Carter Santucci, Brooklynn Bajnok.

Mrs. Stanec was preceded in death by her husband John Sr. on October 23, 1994; parents, Frederick and Mildred (Senkowitz) Trachek; and siblings Jeannie (Robert) Scott; Anthony Trachek; Emma (Howard) Fye; Stella (Frank) Petruch; Mildred (David) Bullano and Blanche (John) Vanca are also deceased.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Humility House for the wonderful and compassionate care given to their mom over the years.

A Private Funeral Mass was held in St. Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell. Burial services were at St. John Catholic Cemetery.