Nancy L. Vano was born Annunziata on August 3, 1921 in Detroit. Michigan to Francesco and Angela Tata. Nancy was a dedicated teacher by training, earning degrees from Marygrove College and the University of Detroit.

Nancy married Mario Pietro Vano in 1947 and together they had five children. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Mario,, her daughter Rita Velazquez, and her siblings: Anthony, Joseph, Leonard and Loretta Tata.

Nancy was an avid reader. She loved musicals and loved doing crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her children: Mario Peter (JoAnn) Vano, Gloria (Cooksey) Cooksey, Linda Vano, and Sister Barbara Vano; her grandchildren: Salvatore Cooksey, Angelina (Jeremiah) Bear, Frank Velazquez, and Emily (Omar) Velazquez; 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.