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Katherine T. Nuzzie 1926-2025

BOARDMAN — Katherine T. “Rena” Nuzzie, 98, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

She was born Feb. 27, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Rocco and Rosina Antenori Boccomino.

Katherine began her career as a bookkeeper and accountant before transitioning into the fulfilling role of a homemaker.

She was particularly proud of her leadership within the local Scouting movement, serving as the den mother of Pack 24 Cub Scouts at St. Dominic Church in 1961. Under her guidance, her family was honored with the “Family of the Year” award at the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Dinner in 1962.

Katherine held numerous leadership roles within local schools and at her church, serving as PTA president at both Taft Elementary and Woodrow Wilson High School. She became a respected member of St. Charles Church, where she served in various capacities, including vice president of the garden club and the St. Charles Over 55 Club. Additionally, she volunteered as a lector, provided her services as a Eucharistic minister and helped during church festivals.

Katherine also lent her time to General Motors UAW Local 1714 by working in the kitchen.

Katherine’s legacy includes the unique distinction of delivering the first New Year’s baby in Youngstown in 1955. She passed away exactly 70 years later on New Year’s Day.

She is survived by her four children, Lewis (Joy) Nuzzie Jr. of Vass, North Carolina, Rosalie (Dennis) Varley of Northville, Michigan, Phyllis Nuzzie of Lake Milton and Ronald Nuzzie of Boardman; 12 grandchildren, Lewis John Nuzzie, Alicia Zamora, Meghan Shover, David Nuzzie, Bethany Nuzzie, Katie DePerro, Ryan, Christopher, Jeffrey and Allison Varley, Christina Klenotic and Gregory Peter Gurnak Jr. She also had 10 great-grandchildren and a special niece, Ann Marie Pagano.

In addition to her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Nuzzie Sr., who passed away in 2002; her sister, Antoinette Pagano; and three brothers, John, Sam and Albert Boccomino.

Calling hours will be 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Charles Church, 7345 Westview Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Angels Place, 29299 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034; or to the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, 801 Griswold St., Northville, MI 48167.

Katherine’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Becky Eskay and the staff at Touching Hearts Home Health in Poland, and the nurses at Crossroads Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

(special notice)