Nancy Ellen Witko-Raptis, 68, of Worcester died July 28th in her sleep at home after several years of defiantly battling cardiac disease and diabetes. She is survived by her three children; Erik James, Philip Gregory and Nicole Diana Raptis all of Worcester, her mother, Helen M. (Champney) Nagle of Worcester; her former husband, Theophilos “Ted” Raptis of Worcester; a daughter-in law, Rosebell Kinyanjui-Raptis; her grandson, Ian Kinyanjui and two half-brothers, Alfred Witko of New York and Frank Witko of California.
Nancy was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Alfred Witko. She graduated from South High School and won second place in South’s beauty pageant held in 1964. She then attended Salter School of Accounting where she studied finance, small business and creative arts. Nancy was always mindful of the legacy left by her “Gold Star Mother” grandmother, whose four sons served simultaneously during WWII; channeling that devotion and tenacity into raising her own children and mothering many others. Nancy had been employed by the former Worcester Federal Savings Bank and later as a bookkeeper/designer at Perro’s Flower Shop. Her artistic talent and creative activity filled her daily life. She excelled as a cook, seamstress, painter, dancer, and fundraiser. Nancy avidly supported her family and friends as an active member of both the Polish and Greek communities in Worcester. Even while fighting chronic illnesses, Nancy exuded extreme generosity, a joy of life and uplifting, optimistic spirit. She will be profoundly missed and dearly remembered by all who knew her.
Her funeral will be held, Friday, August 1st from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, July 31st from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Joslin Diabetes Center and Joslin Clinic, One Joslin Place Boston, MA 02215.