Nancy Coolbaugh Trojanowicz, 71, of South Scranton, died at home on Sept. 7, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank, the man who at first sight took her breath away.
Nancy was born in Kingston, Pa., the youngest of seven children of Arthur and Gertrude Coolbaugh. She grew up as a farm girl in Center Moreland. She graduated from Dallas Senior High School, where she played as a guard on the basketball team, and enjoyed singing in the choir. In addition to raising five children, Nancy worked as a caring, certified nursing assistant for 10 years at Holy Family Residence, and over 20 years for Moses Taylor Hospital. Nancy was caring and selfless in her career and in her life. There is not a soul that knew Nancy that would not describe her the same way. Nancy liked reading and gardening. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and had passionate fans of both. Her soups, piggies and stromboli were always in demand. Her apple pie was eagerly looked forward to every year. Thanksgiving will never be the same. By far, the most important thing in the world to Nancy was her family. She loved all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything. When she was diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer, Nancy was asked about her "bucket list." All Nancy wanted to do was spend time with her family and friends. She was family oriented, through and through. Nancy Trojanowicz, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sibling, was beautiful inside and out. Surviving are four daughters, Rebecca Kenney and husband, Robert, Scranton; Sharon Bonning and companion, John Notchick, Simpson; Cindy Poland and husband, Howard, Philadelphia; and Carrie Trojanowicz, at home; a son, Frank Brian Trojanowicz, at home; six grandchildren, Justine and husband, Dustin; Sami, Kerstan, Sydney, Emily and Zachary; three great-grandchildren, Addyson, Richard and Dawson; one sister, Audrey Thompson; five brothers, Ronald Coolbaugh and wife, Marge; Perry Coolbaugh and Jean Caruso, William Coolbaugh and wife, Rosemary; Arthur Coolbaugh and wife, Pat; and Howard Coolbaugh and wife, Mary; sister-in-law, Betty Jeanne Coolbaugh; and many nieces and nephews. A very special thank you to Mary Coolbaugh, best friend and sister-in-law, who cared for Nancy during her courageous fight with cancer, and was with her until the end. Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Nancy's life on Saturday, Sept. 17, from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice and Home Health of Lackawanna County, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447. To send online condolences, visit the funeral home website.