Nancy Louise Craine Mirabito, 62, of Norwich, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in New York City, with her family by her side. “Cancer was only a chapter in her life, not the whole story.”
Born on April 8, 1955, in Norwich, NY, Nancy was the daughter of Mary Jean Kimber Jacobi (Dr. Martin H. Jacobi) and Bruce D. Craine. As a young child, Nancy lived for a short time in DeWitt, NY, eventually moving back and graduating from Norwich High School in 1973. She then went on to earn her Bachelors of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Geneseo, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1977.
On August 12, 1978, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Dennis “Denny” Mirabito who survives. Nancy worked for a short time at Chenango County Social Services and then for John Cook, C.P.A., eventually settling in to devote her time to raising her three children, whom she cherished dearly; daughter Katharine Jean Mirabito Voss, and son-in-law Brian Voss, of Norwich, son Jonathan Kimber Mirabito, and girlfriend, Keyoni Potter, of Upper Marlboro, MD, and daughter Elizabeth Sarah Mirabito, of Norwich. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Isabelle Angelina Voss, Connor Mirabito Voss, Kyson Potter, and grand-dog, Polo Mirabito. In addition to her husband and children, Nancy is survived by brothers Kimber Craine (wife, Brenda) of Arlington, VAa; Christopher Jacobi of Southern California; Dr. Errol Jacobi (wife, Patricia) of Savannah, GA, and sisters Carolyn Craine of Hingham, MA, and Zenta Shelton (husband, Marvin) of Gladstone, MO. Several loving sisters- and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and great friends also survive. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Mary Jean Kimber Jacobi, Dr. Martin H. Jacobi, and Bruce D. Craine; mother-in-law, Barbara M. Mirabito; and father-in-law, Frank A. Mirabito.
Nancy gave of her time to many local volunteer organizations and causes. She was a fierce supporter and advocate for her youngest daughter Elizabeth, who has special needs, and worked diligently to ensure her education and inclusion. Nancy was a long-time member of Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary board and served in various roles from 1981 to the present, most recently serving as board President. In her time on the Auxiliary board, she was instrumental in organizing the “Chenango Chenanigans” talent show, Festival of Trees Gala, and Bene-feast fundraisers. She was a current member on the Pathfinder Village Board of Directors, and a past member of the Norwich City School Board, Norwich Garden Club, Norwich BID, and Chenango County Council of the Arts Board of Directors. In more recent years, Nancy developed a fondness for knitting that brought her new friendships, treasured creations, and much happiness. Nancy and Denny, along with their family, enjoyed many beautiful summers at their home on Chenango Lake. Nancy’s love for flowers, and the beauty and peace that nature has to offer, were always a comfort to her. Nancy was also an avid reader and belonged to Minerva Book Club.
Never one to sit still, Nancy loved to travel and explore new places. This past spring, Nancy and Denny were fortunate to travel to the wedding of a dear family friend in France, and London, and most recently, Nancy traveled with her long time high school girlfriends to Ojai, CA, a trip that was comforting and uplifting for her well-being. Above all, Nancy loved being with her family. She relished in her roles of mom and “Nana” and was always up for a fun adventure. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Her smile, positivity, optimism, generosity, unconditional love, and friendship will be sorely missed by all who love her.
A Memorial Mass for Nancy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Paul’s Church, in Norwich, where Rev. Ralph A Bove and Rev. Douglas Cunningham will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Janet Johnson, Treasurer, 127 Country Club Lane, Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Pathfinder Village Foundation, 3 Chenango Rd., Edmeston, NY 13335-2314.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.