Nancy Jean (Zabinski) Young, age 50 of North Stonington, CT, passed away Sunday afternoon at Backus Hospital in Norwich after being surrounded by family and friends during her short illness.
Nancy was born in Torrance, CA on 6 June 1956 to Leo and Betty Zabinsky. In 1966, the family, including her older sister Carol, moved to the Zabinsky family farm in Dexter, MI. In the ensuing years, together, they launched and operated the Zabinsky Blueberry Farm, growing various types of blueberries and offering them for sale on a pick-your-own basis.
Nancy graduated from Dexter High School in 1974 as her class valedictorian. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Michigan Technological University in May 1978.
Nancy worked for a short period in a local book binding company before beginning her United States Navy career. Nancy was commissioned as a Naval Reserve Supply Corps Ensign in July 1979, and served on active duty until 1987. After completing the Supply Corps Basic Qualification Course, she reported to the destroyer tender USS SIERRA (AD 18) where she served as a Supply Division Officer, and was one of the first women aboard. Nancy also served on the Naval Postgraduate School staff at Monterey CA, as the Supply Officer at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam, and as a Supply Officer at the Naval Aviation Depot, Alameda CA before her release from active duty in September 1987. Nancy continued serving as a reservist until retiring as a Naval Reserve Commander in 2001. Of local interest, Nancy served as the Supply Officer on the Naval Reserve Commander, Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE Detachment 101 staff, a unique position for a female officer.
Nancy married Charles J. Young Jr. (Chuck) on 24 January 1987 in the chapel at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA before a small number of friends and acquaintances. Chuck was also an active duty Naval Officer serving in the submarine force. After a short period on opposite coasts, Nancy was released from active duty and made a home with Chuck in Gales Ferry, CT. Throughout much of Chuck's remaining military career, Nancy put her own career on hold while holding down many temporary jobs, including one as a bookseller at a small Carmel CA children's book and educational toy store. Upon their arrival in the Portsmouth, NH area, Nancy discovered and enrolled in a regional program offered by the University of Rhode Island which would eventually lead to her receiving her Master of Library and Information Studies degree in December 1996.
After completing her MLIS degree program, Nancy began her library career as the Director at Preston Public Library and worked as a reference librarian on Sundays at the Groton Public Library. In November 1997, Nancy became the Director at the Stonington Free Library, where she served library patrons in the town of Stonington until her passing.
Nancy enjoyed her many hobbies and participation in professional and service organizations. She loved to read and sew, two activities she started very early in life. As an adult, Nancy resumed horseback riding, winning blue ribbons as a novice in dressage and hunter/jumper competitions. More recently, Nancy spent many hours training and practicing with her friends at Nicholas Villa Stables in North Stonington and her horse, VHF Tiffany, a registered Morgan. Nancy was active in many professional organizations including the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, the Connecticut Library Association, and the Connecticut Library Consortium. She was a member of the Michigan Technological University and University of Rhode Island Alumni Associations, the Supply Corps Association, and the Naval Reserve Association.
Service to her community was important in Nancy's life. As a library director in two towns, Nancy emphasized patron service over all other aspects of library operations. Nancy was a member of the Mystic Woman's Club, serving as club Vice President, as a volunteer at the club's Pawcatuck thrift shop, and on the club's Executive Board at the time of her passing. In prior years, Nancy served as the club's treasurer. She was a top poinsettia salesperson for the club's major annual fund raising drive. Nancy became a member of the Rotary Club of the Stoningtons, served as club secretary, and was the club's president for 2005-2006. Nancy continued to serve on the club's Executive Board, and participated in many club activities including the club's annual Fisher's Island Golf Tournament and the club's many Amber Alert registration sessions. Nancy was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary.
Nancy is survived by her husband Chuck, her father Leo, her sister Carol, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, two nephews, a niece, three cats, and her horse, Tiffany. She was predeceased by her mother Betty, her nephew Andrew, and her favorite cat, Bandit.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the United Church of Stonington, 67 Main Street, Stonington on Saturday at 11am. The Rev. Doretta M. Colburn, a close friend, will officiate. There will be no visiting hours.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to Stonington Free Library Association, P.O. Box 232, Stonington, CT 06378; Rotary Club of the Stoningtons,P.O. Box 304, Stonington, CT 06378;or a charity of donor's choice.
To send Chuck and the family a message of remembrance and/or condolence, please click the link below.