Nancy A. Stoyanoff Kane's Obituary
Nancy Anne (nee Wade) Stoyanoff Kane passed on October 17, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of family, friendship, and a beautifully blurred line in between.
Nancy, daughter of the late Robert and Thelma Wade, grew-up alongside her older siblings, Bob and Mona (both preceding her in death).
She attended Lakewood High School where she met the great love of her life, Edward Stoyanoff (1928-1990). Although, they spent their first year of college apart, Nancy transferred to Ohio Wesleyan University to be with Ed. While there, she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and remained an active alumnus for many years. On the campus of their beloved alma mater OWU, there is a bench adorned with their names. Upon graduation, Ed asked for Nancy’s hand and they were married in 1952.
After returning home to Lakewood, they began their family with the birth of daughter, Cheryl and then son, Mark. In 1966, they moved to the up and coming suburb of Berea, OH, where they would remain life-long residents. Ed and Nancy built their business’ Ohio Pool and later EMSCO; where Cheri, Brian, Mark and beloved daughter in law, Sandy, all worked.
Ed and Nancy were members of NSPI (National Pool and Spa Institute) where Nancy served as Women’s Activities Chairman. She also served on the Fairview Hospital Auxiliary Board, where she started the flower shop. Nancy and Ed were major donors to Southwest General Hospital and Ohio Wesleyan University.
She and Ed were avid sports fans and maintained an active social life in their community and their retirement home in Bradenton, Florida. For all the enjoyment they experienced through friendships and social causes, no greater joy was brought to them than their grandchildren: Laura Justice Duffy, John Justice (Erin), Kelly Stoyanoff Zamiska (Josh), and Eric Stoyanoff (Kirsten).
In 1990, Nancy lost Ed far too soon, but the Lord blessed her with a second husband Dr. John “Jack” Kane, who loved both she and her family. Along with the addition of Jack to her family, Nancy gained a loving extended family from her marriage to Jack: 7 children Mary Kane Firis (Jim), Dr. Jack Kane (Sue), Dorothy Kane Rini (Bill), Aileen Kane Hunt (John), Maureen Kane Keim (Ken), Dr. Kevin Kane (Colleen), 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Jack preceded Nancy in death and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. They considered themselves blessed to share a great love for each other and their combined family.
In the latter years of Nancy’s life, she watched her grandchildren marry and become successful, educators and businessmen. But possibly their greatest successes, were the great-grandchildren they added to her growing family. She found no greater joy than watching them swim, play sports, dance, beat her at cards, or just be held in her arms. Eric, Jack & Ian Duffy, Andrew & Allison Justice, Wade, Chase, and soon to arrive baby boy Zamiska, and Emerson & Sawyer Stoyanoff filled her last years with unconditional love for their GiGi.
Although she leaves behind a broken-hearted family; she also will be missed by many friends, extended family and caretakers who have been a part of her life. The addition of these people made for an extraordinary life of love, laughter, and togetherness.
As the oldest grandchild, I’ve often lamented to my oldest son (an oldest grandchild too) that being first isn’t always fun. Being the oldest and writing this obituary isn’t a prize, but it is an honor. I was gifted 40 years of being Nancy Stoyanoff Kane’s granddaughter and I wouldn’t give even one of those days back; a sentiment I believe my whole family would agree with.
Imagining life without her for our family feels impossible, but we know that she is finally home, finally at peace, and finally reunited with the love of her life where she belongs. She would say “please don’t cry, just remember the happy times”.
“But life will call with daffodils, and morning glorious blue skies. You'll think of me some memory and softly smile to your surprise. And even though you love me still, you will know where you belong. Just give it time, we'll both be fine. When I'm gone”.
Nancy will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Ed during a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Southwest Residential Hospice, 18659 Drake Rd., Strongsville, Ohio 44136.
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