Nancy Chicko

On a beautiful blue-sky summer morning, with birds singing just outside her window, Nancy Chicko peacefully passed away on July 22, 2025 with her granddaughter by her side.

Born January 13, 1930, to the late Walter Sample and Margaret French Sample, Nancy spent most of her early years in Newton Falls. She married James Chicko in 1952 and settled in Paris Township, where she raised five children and spent her days filling her home with warmth, laughter, and a love that shaped generations.

Nancy had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was an avid mystery reader, a devoted bird-watcher, and loved curling up with her daughter Cathy and granddaughter Nikki to watch old Halloween movies on TCM - Jack-o-lanterns glowing gently on the porch. She adored animals and always had one by her side for comfort and companionship.

But above all, Nancy loved her family. She considered her mother one of her best friends, and she herself was a deeply devoted mother, grandmother and aunt.

Her children and grandchildren spent countless days exploring the vast and magical playground of Grandma's yard, a place that seemed to bloom in every season. She delighted in hand-picked bouquets of flowers and feathers, and her love made ordinary moments unforgettable.

Nancy is survived by her children, Jimmy Chicko, Cathy Chicko, Jeff Chicko (Pam), and Cindy Custer; her grandchildren, Jackie Chicko, Candi Chicko, Danielle Chicko, Nikki Chicko, Angie Custer, Michael Custer, Mathew Chicko, Ashley Chicko, Joseph Chicko, J. Chicko, and E. Chicko; her thirteen great-grandchildren; her nieces, Shirley Bickerstaff (Paul) and Vicki Chicko (Denny); and her nephew, John Chicko (Diane). She also leaves behind her loyal and loving dog, Fatty and faithful feline, Parker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Chicko; her beloved son, Joseph Chicko; and her brothers, Leon Sample and Richard Sample (Patti).

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Borowski Memorial Home. The family welcomes all who knew and loved her to join in honoring a life so beautifully lived.

We will carry her with us in everything we do, in every kind word, every laugh, and every hand-picked flower. Her love will live on in us always. And as I know she would say to all of us right now: "Don't cry, honey. It'll be okay."