Nowacki Betty Jane Nelson Nowacki, after 97 beautiful years of life, passed away May 13, 2016, peacefully in her own home surrounded by loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Louis Nowacki, parents Frank and Fanny Nelson, son Robert, brother Frank Nelson and wife Shirley, brother-in-law Jack Nowacki and wife Polly. She is survived by her son, Jim Nowacki and wife, Cathy; daughter, Nancy Ryan and husband, Tom; four grandchildren and their spouses, Carrie Hiebeler and husband, Adam, Anastasia Harper and husband, Baird, Emma Nowacki, and Sean Ryan; four great grandchildren, Holden and Ruby Hiebeler, and Garnet and Bon Harper; and four nephews and their spouses, Rick Nelson and wife, Sandy, David Nelson and wife, Annette, Mark Nelson and wife, Amanda and Jack's son, John Nowacki and wife, Lisa; as well as Jack's surviving wife Rita, in addition to many other family and friends. Betty Nowacki's kind and generous spirit touched and connected with all those she knew. She spent most of her life in Columbus, graduating from South High School where she met her future husband Lou. While Lou was a naval officer during World War II, they lived in New York City where Lou served the Navy Intelligence Command until he received orders to serve in the South Pacific. While they were separated for two and a half years during his overseas service, Betty returned to Columbus to work at Fort Hayes to advance the war effort. During her entire life, Betty had a deep love for music, becoming an accomplished pianist and sharing her enthusiastic joy for music through volunteer fund raising for the Columbus Symphony and the Women in Music program. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, with family and friends being her passion. She never missed a chance to celebrate life and friendship even into her nineties. In the last ten years, Betty enjoyed her time at Creekside at the Village, and all of her family would like to thank the staff at Creekside for their committed devotion and service for Betty. For an even longer period, she was a member and volunteer at Brookwood Presbyterian Church, where her strong sense of spirituality was evidenced by the way she lived her life, both joyously and unselfishly. Betty will be lovingly remembered as a devoted friend, mother and grandmother who greeted all with an infectious smile and an inviting soprano "hello". She will truly be missed. Charitable donations may be made to Brookwood Presbyterian Church, the Columbus Symphony or any charity of your choosing. Visitation will be at WOODYARD FUNERAL HOME, 2300 E. Livingston Avenue, from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday May 18, with the funeral service to take place at Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Avenue, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Previous Events Visitation MAY 18. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - East Chapel 2300 E. Livingston Ave. Bexley, OH 43209 Loading map Funeral Service MAY 19. 1:00 PM (ET) Brookwood Presbyterian Church 2685 Livingston Ave Columbus, OH 43209 Loading map