Nancy Marie Stokan Barziza

Nancy Marie (Goodrich) Stokan Barziza, 83, beloved educator went to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon July 20, 2024, at her home in Houston, Texas. Nancy was born in Houston, Texas at St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 7, 1941, to William and Helen Goodrich. Nancy is survived by her sister, Martha Dixon and brother-in-law Buddy Dixon. She adored her children and their spouses: Kathy Widaski; Steven Stokan and his wife, Tammy Stokan; Suzanne Brann and her husband, Randy Brann; Michelle Stokan; Staci Jones and her husband, Dewayne Jones; Michael Stokan and his wife, Dr. Debra Stokan; Stephanie Petru and her husband, Greg Petru; Nancy Harsh and her husband, Terry Harsh; and her stepdaughter, Melody Rojas and her husband, Hector Rojas. She was also very proud of her grandchildren: David Widaski, and his wife Pam; Amy Grunert and her husband, Justin; Zachary Brann; Landen Jones; Grant Brann; Dr. Elizabeth Brann; Jennifer Brann; Jessica Copeland and her husband, Austin; Nicole Miller and her husband, Joseph; Savanna Harsh; Hannah Stokan; Hayden Harsh and his wife, Isabelle; Caroline Petru; Emily Stokan; Harrison Harsh; Logan Jones; Claire Petru; William Stokan; Matthew Stokan; and step-granddaughter, Ashley Conner and her husband, Matt. Her great-grandchildren also stole her heart: Audrey Widaski, Sophia Widaski, Ethan Widaski, Dylan Widaski, and step-great-grandsons, Wren Conner and Kit Conner. She is preceded by her loving husband, Dave Barziza; her parents, William and Helen Goodrich; and her sister, Jo Ann Penington. She is also preceded by her former husband and father of her children, George Stokan.

Nancy attended St. Teresa Catholic School, St. Agnes Academy (1958), University of Houston (1962 - Bachelor of Education) and Tulane University (1979 - Master of Education). She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority while attending the University of Houston.

Nancy loved and promoted education. Her lifelong dedication to education began as an early education teacher. As she advanced through her career, she became interested in Montessori education when she worked at Dodson Elementary. She was selected by HISD to attend the master’s program at Tulane University and returned to become the Administrator of the Montessori program at Dodson. She advanced in her career and became a middle school assistant principal before retiring. Retirement, however, did not stop her from tirelessly promoting education to her entire family and tutoring underprivileged children.

Nancy’s love for travel and adventure began early. In the 70’s, she took the family on the road for vacations across the United States. During these trips, she grew to appreciate nature and all its beauty. Some of her favorite adventures happened while visiting our national parks, as her goal was to visit each one. Later in life, on a special hike in the Guadalupe Mountains with the Sierra Club, she met a sweet man named Dave Barziza. He became the love of her life. Their passion for the outdoors was a constant during their marriage. With Dave, she traveled to all 7 continents and finished visiting all 50 states. Her profound love of nature was exhibited in her massive collection of shells from all over the world and through her love of flowers and plants. She also loved to paint using watercolors and replicated nature’s beauty in her art.

Nancy placed faith and family first but did not stop there. She had the most open and loving heart…she never met a stranger. If you met her, you were going to get a hug no matter what! She had many friends in the clubs, organizations and charities she and Dave were involved with. She made lifelong friends with the Infant of Prague Family Guild, Go with Grace, The Houston Conchology Society, and her Bible study and bridge groups. The woodturners at St. Lukes will sure miss her blueberry crunch and fudge brownies! She was a den mother for the Boy Scouts, a lifeguard and Red Cross first aid instructor and was involved in her neighborhood Citizens on Patrol. Her kindness and love were focused especially on children. She would volunteer at the local food banks to make sure children did not go hungry. She was an amazing, kind-hearted, loving woman who led by example. She gave unconditional love and never asked for anything in return…always paying it forward.

Nancy will be missed. Although the world has lost a beautiful soul, her love and kindness will live on through her family and those she has touched during her lifetime.

Our mother cared deeply about faith, children, education, the military, nature and cancer research. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization supporting these causes. (A note can be sent to 13818 Myrtlea Dr, Houston, Texas 77079.)