Boca magazine is saddened to hear about the passing of Nancy Stewart-Franczak, executive director of Festival Management Group, on April 28. A linchpin of culture in the Palm Beaches, Stewart-Franczak founded her organization in 1998—following a seven-year stint with IBM in Boca Raton—and went on to spearhead many of the community’s most beloved events, including the South Florida Garlic Fest, Lagoon Fest and Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Festival, as well as the historic Delray Affair.
Stewart-Franczak was a creative force and a consummate public-relations professional. As the arts editor of Boca and Delray magazines, I could always count on Stewart-Franczak to provide first-rate press releases and the top-quality photos that grace our publications.
A statement released May 5 from Festival Management Group said, “Nancy was more than a leader—she was the heart and soul of FMG. Since founding the organization in 1998, she has been the visionary behind some of our community’s most cherished festivals and events. Her boundless energy, unwavering commitment, and fierce determination helped raise critical funds for more than 60 nonprofit organizations and touched the lives of thousands throughout our region.
“To those who had the privilege of working with her, Nancy was a force of nature—a dynamic blend of grit and grace. She led with passion and purpose, treating her FMG ‘work family’ with deep loyalty and compassion. Her standards were high, her dedication unmatched, and her impact immeasurable.”
The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce seconded those words, stating in a social-media post, “Nancy has been a driving force in our community, bringing laughter and light to our town through the many events that she created and produced. … Our hearts go out to her beloved husband, John, and her FMG family who have supported her unceasingly—through everything.”
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Nancy’s memory at 5:30 p.m. May 12 at Delray Beach Municipal Golf Course, 2200 Highland Ave., Delray Beach. Cards and condolences may be sent to her loving husband, John Franczak, 227 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the EJS Project.
