Nancy Jo Garbo

Nancy Jo Garbo, 93, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on October 19, 2023, in Ashtabula, Ohio. She was born on April 26, 1930, in Geneva, Ohio, to Marjorie (West) and Robert E. Gibson of Youngstown, Ohio.

Nancy was a devoted wife and mother who loved to read and play bridge with friends; enjoyed making handcrafted items, working in the yard, and participating in church activities; and was attentive to and loved by her pets, friends, and relatives, all of whom will miss her and cherish their memories of her.

Nancy was predeceased in 2016 by Vincent Ray Garbo (87) of Mayfield Village, Ohio, her beloved husband of 65 years. Vince was a decorated WWII veteran who served as a Ranger in the Special Forces, 6th Battalion, in the Pacific Theater. Nancy met Vince at a dance at Bowling Green University, where she was studying to become a teacher and he played football. They married on April 28, 1951. He became a member of the Buffalo Bills, a professional football team, and a High Priest of the James B. Ruhl Masonic Lodge #731 F.&A.M. Vince and his brother John Garbo owned and operated The V. Garbo & Sons Painting & Decorating Co. for 50 years. Nancy and Vince were inseparable after their retirements. She was also predeceased in 2020 by her brother David R. Gibson (85) of Granbury, Texas.

Nancy is survived by her loving daughters: Jane Hackett of Massillon, Ohio, Susan Fire of Grand Forks, North Dakota and Cathy (David) Van De Hey of Ashtabula, Ohio; her “adopted” daughters, Sue Hawley of Perry, Ohio and Carla (Richard) Madarina of Saybrook, Ohio; her grandchildren:  Dylan Hackett of Massillon, Ohio, Aidan Fire of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Eric Van De Hey of Ashtabula, Ohio and Lauren Van De Hey of Charlottesville, Virgina and her nieces, Laure (Gary) Gibson-Cornell of East Liverpool, Ohio and Alica and Paula Garbo of Willoughby, Ohio.

In accordance with Nancy’s wishes, she will be interred with her husband Vince in a private graveside service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Contributions may be made for Nancy, a life-long lover of cats, to Harbor Cat Rescue at 1016 Joseph Ave, Ashtabula OH 44004 or https://harborcatrescue.org/donations/.

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