Nancy Jean Jarackas

October 6, 1939 - December 25, 2021

Nancy Jean Jarackas (nee Arena), 82, passed away on December 25, 2021 surrounded by her children after a long fought battle with cancer. She was born October 06, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, to Anthony and Rose Arena and was the third born of four children. Nancy married her longtime friend and love of her life, Joseph Jarackas, on July 7th, 1989; they spent 17 years of marriage together traveling the world, opening their home to family and friends and created many lasting memories for all those who had the pleasure of knowing them. Nancy was a retired nurse, who worked on the oncology floor at Crittenton Hospital. She resided for many years in Boca Raton, Florida where she was a proud member and resident of the Chelfonte community. She is survived by her six children: Deborah (Kerry) Saleski, Thomas (Pamela) Renusch, Victoria (Joseph) Florio, Daniel (Trish) Renusch, Joseph (Colleen) Pascoe, Toni (Robert) Misch, and step-daughter Lanore (Clay) Generaux; 14 Grandchildren: Jason, Isaac, Tyler, Jessika, Nicole, Crystal, Michelle, Brandon, Bradley, Danielle, Amanda, Ashlee, Kelly, Lisa, and 2 step-grandchildren Tonya and Gussie; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in her death by her husband Joseph Jarackas, father Anthony, mother Rose, sisters Marie and Rose, brother Peter, step-son Dale, and granddaughter Brittney. Devoted Catholic, Nancy practiced and lived by the mantra of the power of prayer. She was a role model to all with her fighter spirit. Surrounding herself with family and friends was of the up most importance to her. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was better known as Grandma Fancy Nancy, as she made every encounter from sprinkled ice-cream cones, sleepovers, to conversations around the table unforgettable with her special fancy touches. “Life is Good” was one of her favorite sayings and her outgoing vivacious personality was one of the many reasons she was loved by all who knew her. Nancy was the ultimate host when it came to throwing family pool parties or hosting dinner for friends. Every meal was a celebration with one of her signature dishes. Nancy was the life of the party. She loved her 5:30 cocktail hour that began with a toast, was the first one on and the last one off of the dance floor, and her smile and laugh lit up the room. She made many memories along the way with her family and friends and will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. The family would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the great team of caregivers from VITAs of Florida who helped in providing our mother’s comfort throughout her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in honor of Nancy to the Hospice Association and/or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons, 54880 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Charter Twp, MI. A celebration of life dinner will immediately follow the service at the Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke, Shelby Charter Township.