Nancy Lee (Tyson) (Satras) Fricke passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the age of 85 following a lengthy illness. Nancy was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio on July 8, 1940, to William Thomas Tyson and Marie Ellen (Buttitta) Tyson. She grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio on Seabrights Lane and graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Bellaire, Ohio.
Nancy met Mike Satras, a recent immigrant from Chios, Greece, while in high school and tutored him in English. They fell in love and were married in 1961 in Pittsburgh, PA, later relocating initially to Van Nuys, CA and ultimately to Anaheim, CA. Together they had three children: Michael Lee Satras, Paul William Satras, and Michelle Marie Satras-Buys. They divorced in 1981. Nancy then met and married Stuart Lee Fricke, continuing to reside in Anaheim, CA. They were married for 44 years.
Nancy worked for McDonald’s Hamburgers for many years, where she ultimately met her second husband. She was known as a hard worker, often having her regular customers’ orders ready as they entered the door. She later worked for Farmers Insurance in Santa Ana, CA before retiring in 2002. She became nanny to her two grandchildren, Megan & Vincent Satras, who she loved and adored, ultimately attending their graduations from college. Nancy felt that her family was one of her greatest accomplishments in life. She was proud of the people her children and grandchildren had become.
Nancy & Stuart enjoyed traveling together and seeing many countries including England, Italy, Greece, Germany, France, Spain, and the Holy Land. She was even able to return to Palermo, Sicily where her much-loved grandfather Buttitta was born. They enjoyed many cruises, initially on the original Island Princess in 1985, with their last cruise on the Grand Princess in 2025. They celebrated their 25th anniversary with immediate family aboard Celebrity’s Infinity on a coastal cruise to Canada. Locally, Nancy’s second home was in Cambria, CA, a seaside location that she never tired of visiting. Nancy loved animals and there was always a collection of cats in her house. Nancy had a deep faith in God that carried her through life’s many challenges.
Nancy is survived by her husband Stuart Fricke, her three children Michael Satras, Paul Satras, and Michelle Satras, her sister Mary Ann Donatelli, her brother Mark Tyson, her Aunt Shirley Dougherty, and her two grandchildren Megan Satras and Vincent Satras.
Services will be private and Nancy will be interred at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal rescue shelter.
