Much like the flowers she lovingly tended in her garden, Nanny brought warmth, beauty, and care to all who knew her. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cooking meals that brought family together and cultivating vibrant blooms in her yard.
Pauline M. Sellars, age 96, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on hospice at OhioHealth Mansfield on February 26, 2025 surrounded by her family. All those who knew and loved her called her “Nanny.”
Born February 14, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, she was the daughter of Rudolph & Bessie (Novy) Hajny, grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Smithfield High School. While working as a nurses’ aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Warren, Ohio, she treated the nephew of a handsome young man named Dominic Sellars. The pair were smitten and married on July 1, 1950. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and generosity. After 26 years with Packard Electric/General Motors, she retired, and she and Dominic moved to Mansfield in the late ‘80s to be closer to their daughter Pat, son-in-law Tom, and beloved grandson Tom. Her great-granddaughters, Sydney and Melanie, were the lights of her life, and she shared a special bond with them.
A devoted homemaker, she created a warm, loving home filled with delicious food and beautiful flowers. She loved shopping, fashion—especially animal prints and high heels—and her faith at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Proud of her Czechoslovakian roots and her husband’s Italian heritage, she was feisty yet full of love with a heart of gold. Her family looks forward to seeing Nanny in heaven, likely laughing, listening to polka, and saying “I love you!” in her signature sing-song voice.
Polly is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pat (Tom) Plaisted of Mansfield; grandson Tom (Jennifer “Jeep”) Plaisted of Mansfield; great-granddaughters Sydney Plaisted and Melanie Plaisted; sisters Irene Sabo of Piney Fork and Ann Demski of Smithfield, and brother John (Connie) Hajny of Piney Fork; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dominic Sellars, her parents, a brother William (Jan) Hajny, and brothers-in-law Arthur Sabo and Joseph Demski.
Her family wishes to thank OhioHealth Hospice and the entire staff on the 2nd floor wing, the team at Winchester Terrace, along with Dr. Padival and Dr. Sringeri for their outstanding care.
Friends may visit starting at 11:00 AM up until the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 PM noon on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with Father Evarist Miku officiating. Nanny will be laid to rest beside Dominic in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions to St. Peter’s Catholic Church 60 S Mulberry St, Mansfield, OH 44903.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve her family. Condolence messages can be made online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Pauline-M-Sellars?obId=38065700#/obituaryInfo