Nancy J. Zilavy 1937-2026

Nancy was born Jan. 15, 1937, in Youngstown, to Stephen and Mary Zumrick.

She was a beautiful young lady who graced the homecoming court at Youngstown State University, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education. During her time at YSU, she was inducted into Phi Mu sorority. She stayed close with her sorority sisters for many years, often meeting monthly for dinner.

She married Gene Zilavy in July 1960. They settled in Boardman, in a house that Gene built for them and Nancy lovingly made into a home. They were blessed with two children, Sally and Jeff.

As a family they enjoyed vacations in Florida, with one particularly interesting trip in which Nancy insisted on buying a Christmas tree. The only place for the Christmas tree box to go was in Jeff’s seat at the back of the family station wagon, forcing him to sit next to Sally. Needless to say, it made for a very long car ride home. The family also had two dogs, Chi Chi and Missy, whom Nancy adored.

Nancy’s calling in life was to teach and she spent her entire career with the Youngstown City School District at Williamson Elementary School teaching special education for grades 1-3. She was well known for all the adventures she took her beloved students on and the many hands-on lessons she taught. She was often featured in the local newspaper for the experiences she provided her students with, including dressing as a pilgrim every year for Thanksgiving. Many of her former students warmly kept in touch with her, updating her on their lives as they grew into adulthood.

In retirement Nancy and Gene settled in Naples, Florida, where they lived for over 30 years. They enjoyed beach living, boating, traveling to Europe and cruising to many tropical destinations. Nancy took up a new hobby of hand painting and she enjoyed making gifts for friends and family. She often painted floral and coastal motifs.

Throughout her life, Nancy showed a flair for fashion and entertaining. She was always dressed quite stylishly, wearing just the right accessories and making sure her signature lipstick was always fresh. She was famous for the lavish, themed dinner parties she threw for every holiday.

In her final years, Nancy resided in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, close to her daughter, Sally.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Staccie) Zilavy; her daughter, Sally Silvestri; and grandchildren, Steven (Amanda) and Ryan (Stephanie) Silvestri, and Carly, Joshua and Benjamin Zilavy. She was also great-grandma to Cooper, Julianna, Rocco, Rosemarie, Rita and Raphael.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son-in-law, Ray Silvestri.

The family would like to thank the staff of Franke at Seaside for the loving care they took of Nancy as she was one of their family. In her final days the family is eternally grateful for the care Lutheran Hospice Services and especially her nurse, Rachael, took to make her days easy and peaceful.

Private services will be held in the future.

(special notice)