WILMINGTON — With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Nancy Patricia (Frank) Barbic, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Nancy departed this world peacefully on June 9, 2026, in the comforting presence of her two beloved children, at the age of 78.
Born on January 22, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, Nancy was the youngest of Irving and Jane Frank’s four children. She was raised in idyllic Oakwood, Ohio where she made memories alongside her siblings Michael, Vicki and Mary Lou that she often recounted with joy, laughter and pride. She graduated from Oakwood High School in 1966.
Nancy’s path of education continued at Kent State University and culminated with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from The University of Dayton. This academic journey laid the foundation for a fulfilling career in education and school counseling. While raising her children, Nancy embarked on a professional path that saw her working in the education, real estate and airline industries. Ultimately she loved helping people and her favorite professional years were spent at Leland Middle School serving as a middle school guidance counselor. Her compassionate and generous spirit served her well in this role for over 15 years.
A resident of Wilmington since 1998, Nancy found joy on sunlit tennis courts and the soothing sands of the beach. She loved traveling to see her grandchildren compete and perform as they grew up and celebrated their accomplishments. Gardening was always one of her joys and she had a wonderful green thumb. These passions, along with her keen interest in current events, health and wellness and a growing faith, filled her life with purpose and joy.
Nancy’s life was marked by her passionate devotion to her family and her unyielding spirit. She was a mother who fiercely loved her children, Chris and Lauren, ensuring they were nurtured and prepared to navigate their life journeys with strength and grace. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Tatiana, Carson Jane, Ramiz, and Haley, who were the joy of her golden years.
The family is consoled that in Nancy’s last years, she experienced so many “bucket list” level events. She traveled with her daughter, Lauren and her daughters to Italy, the home of her mother’s ancestors and a place she had always wanted to visit. Nancy was blessed as well to have Lauren and her family purchase the home next door to her this past year so they could enjoy life at the beach together.
Two years ago, she cheered as her oldest granddaughter, Tatiana, graduated from Georgetown University and started her first teaching job with Teach for America. This past December, Nancy was overjoyed to see her granddaughter, Carson Jane, walk across the stage at Samford University, proud to know Carson would be heading to medical school at the University of Tennessee this summer. In May, Nancy celebrated her grandson, Ramiz’s graduation from Miami University before he headed off to his career at Amazon. And she spent her last few weeks with her youngest granddaughter, Haley, who was on summer break from Georgetown University, going to the beach, walking the dogs and exploring the foodie cuisine of Wilmington. Nancy’s last few years were full of exciting travel and big, fun family celebrations.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Jane Frank, and her sister and best friend, Mary Lou Frank. Nancy is survived by her children, Chris Barbic (Natasha) and Lauren Jaworski (Tom); her grandchildren, Tatiana Barbic, Carson Jane Jaworski, Ramiz Barbic and Haley Jaworski; her brother, Michael Frank (Barb), her sister, Vicki Freyvogel (Denny); her nephews, nieces and grand nephews, and dear family friend, David Trent.
