Nancy Mae (Wilhelm) Zabawa

Nancy was born March 13, 1939, in Cleveland Ohio. She was the beloved first born child of Elsie (Smith) Wilhelm (deceased) and Howard Herman Wilhelm (deceased). She was raised in a loving home where she early on developed her love for God and for others that flourished throughout her life.

Nancy was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Elizabeth Wilhelm. She was much loved and will be missed by her sister, Pat Barrett (Tim), brother, John (Linda), sister-in-law, Maryanne Rackoff (Gene) and brother-in-law, Edward Zabawa (Betty). Nancy was a proud and devoted aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, and their offspring. She was first and foremost, the treasured wife of Frank J Zabawa for the past 45 years.

Nancy had many talents growing up. She excelled academically in school, had a talent for writing, was editor of the high school newspaper. She also loved and participated in sports, such as softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and in later life golf.

Nancy knew at a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She went to St. John College of Cleveland to pursue that goal. She also was feeling the call to join the religious life. Half way through her junior year in college she entered the Sisters of Humility of Mary, and completed her teaching education. Then, as Sister Mary Joel she taught at several different grade schools in the Cleveland Diocese. Her last assignment was in Canton inner-city where she was teacher/principal, initially at St. Anthony Parish and then given the added responsibility of teacher/principal at St. Mary Parish. It was there that Nancy began to dedicate her life to helping those inner-city children in need. For her, the best way to accomplish that was out in the secular world.

After much discernment, Nancy left the convent in1978, and took a teaching position in inner city Canton at Lathrop Grade School where she taught 5th grade until retirement in 2000. In 1990 Nancy was selected Summit County Teacher of the Year which speaks to her excellence and dedication to her profession. Nancy had great love for her students over her teaching career. If asked if or how many children she personally had, she always answered "at least 2000." She loved her students as her own.

The next phase of Nancy's life is a very sweet love story. It started in 5th grade at St. Charles School when Nancy and Frank Zabawa were classmates. They eventually dated in high school but went separate ways after that. Fast forward to 1978, and Nancy was no longer Sister Mary Joel. This news was relayed from Nancy's mother to Frank's mother when they saw each other at Mass. As luck would have it, Frank was still single. Nancy and Frank reconnected, fell in love, and married in1980.

Another special love story in Nancy's life involves a former Lathrop 5th grade student she taught in 1981, named Lucinda (Cindy) Alexander. That year, Nancy helped Cindy academically and through some personal difficult times. Cindy moved on to another school and had little contact with Nancy. Fourteen years later in 1995, Cindy and Nancy reconnected when Nancy was now teaching Cindy's children at Lathrop. This was the beginning of close and loving relationship with both Nancy and Frank. Cindy has been there to help and love them to this day. Nancy and Frank considered her to be their "adopted daughter" and she is a special joy in their lives.

After retirement from teaching, Nancy remained very busy volunteering in many activities dear to her heart. She played an active roll in Summit County Catholic Commission for many years, as well as volunteering at HM Life Center. Nancy continued her religious calling as a lay person going through formation and professing to the Secular Franciscan Order, Body of Christ Fraternity.

The family wish to thank all who loved, prayed for and showered Nancy with their kindness. We especially are grateful for the compassionate care of the staff at Village of St. Edward Fairlawn.

Visitation Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30am at Hummel Funeral Home 3475 Copley Rd, Copley, Ohio

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 12, 2026, 11am, at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 4022 Johnson Rd, Norton, Ohio

Burial Service private

To honor Nancy's memory, donations may be made to:

St. Andrew The Apostle Church

4022 Johnson Rd.

Norton, Ohio 44203

Village of St. Edward

3125 Smith Rd.

Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Northeast Ohio Hospice

10204 Granger Rd.

Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125