(Bryan Resident; Enjoyed Writing & Gardening)
Janina “Nina” P. Danko, age 85, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Parkview Regional Health Care, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Born on Nov. 21, 1940, in Warsaw, Poland, she was the daughter of Gabriella Srebnik. Nina moved from Poland to Israel before coming to the United States. She married Robert Danko on July 27, 1968, in Canton, Ohio.
Nina and Robert and their children settled in Bryan, Ohio in the early ‘80s by way of Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Poland.
She attended Hebrew University learning about science, English, and comparative religions but learned more from books, life, and exploration than she did in college.
Nina was a writer, more than anything. She freelanced as a journalist and worked for the Ritchie Gazette and the Glenville Democrat in West Virginia, the Freeport Light and Brazorian News in Texas, and one could often find her authoring a “Letter to the Editor” in the Bryan Times.
An email from Nina was never short and sweet. She had a way with words and often signed everything “Love and Light, Nina.”
Nina loved plants and had an incomparable green thumb. She loved garage sales and auctions where she met many a friend.
She later turned this passion into an antique business, which gave her an excuse to go to even more garage sales. Nina loved to cook and made everything from scratch. While she could cook anything, the entire family agrees that her pierogies were the best. She treated neighbors and friends to her almond or poppyseed kolache every holiday season.
Nina was a healer. Beyond her passions she felt a calling to help every individual find their own health and happiness during their journey. Nina was passionate about holistic health and shared her wisdom and knowledge with anyone who needed it. Her catchphrase was “We shall overcome!”
Most of all, Nina loved her family. Robert, or Mis which means “bear” in Polish, was the love of her life. They often joked of their many years of codependent bliss. She had three wonderful children Helena, Lucy, and Timothy. But as much as she loved her children, her greatest role was being Memaw to her grandchildren, Tabitha and Zaiden.
Along with her husband, Robert, Nina is survived by her daughters, Helena Danko, of Bryan and Lucy (Sean) Gobble, of Columbus, granddaughter Tabitha Gobble, and grandson Zaiden Deline, along with her sister, Ella Naparstek, and nieces, Daphne and Sharon Naparstek. Beyond her family, Nina is survived by so many friends all over the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Timothy S. Danko.
Visitation and celebration of Nina’s life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio. As vibrant as Nina, the family requests visitors to wear bright and colorful clothing to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers and memento items, the family asks that you pay it forward with love and light to honor Nina.
Online condolences and guest register may be given and signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com. Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan is honored to serve the Danko family.