Carolyn Diane Mikanowicz

June 19, 1942 - December 20, 2020

06/19/1942 - 12/20/2020

Dr. Carolyn Knizer Mikanowicz, a longtime college professor, passed away on December 20, 2020 at her home in Newport News, Va. She was 78.
Dr. Mikanowicz was a professor of Health Professions at Youngstown State University, where she retired during the 2009-2010 academic year. She lived in Canfield, Ohio, before moving to Virginia after her retirement.
Prior to teaching, she was a registered nurse and certified registered nurse practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology in her native state of Pennsylvania, as well as a registered nurse in California and Alaska.
Dr. Mikanowicz was the daughter of the late John and Lottie (Piontkowski) Knizer. Born June 19, 1942 in New York City, she was raised in the Honey Pot section of Nanticoke, Pa.
She attended the Nanticoke schools before earning a nursing degree from Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. She later graduated from Mansfield State University before receiving both her Master’s degree and Doctorate at The Pennsylvania State University. She also received advanced training as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynecology from The Ohio State University.
She retired from Youngstown State University as professor emeritus of the university’s Health Professions Department and program director of the Master’s of Health and Human Services.
At Youngstown, she authored numerous publications in the health field and was active in national health organizations. She was a member of the Publications Board of the American Public Health Association. An avid traveler, Dr. Mikanowicz often represented the university in overseas trips to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Dr. Mikanowicz was named the 1995 Health Professional of the Year by the Ohio Association of Health, Physical Education and Dance.
Survivors include her daughter Michelle Linker, her husband Andrew of Palmyra, Pa.; son Todd Mikanowicz, his wife Sharon of Newport News, Va.; and grandchildren Anne of Palmyra, Pa.; Kyle Case of Powell, Tn.; and Stephanie Piske of Yorktown, Va.
A memorial service will be held at the family’s convenience with interment to be held at the St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Cemetery in Nanticoke, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations in her memory be sent to the YSU Retirees Scholarship Fund, YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

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Janet Boehm
3 years ago

Carol was a beautiful soul and colleague that touched my life. I traveled with her to South Africa where we shared two weeks of companionship and discovery together of a country’s health care, history, flora and fauna. I enjoyed every moment we spent together during this trip and I have numerous pictures of our time together. So many memories and times of laughter together. (Please email me and let me know how I can get some of these great memories to the family.) I will miss my colleague and friend greatly.

Her office was close to mine and many times we spent having coffee/tea or lunch just talking about the “challenges” of the day. She was a wonderful advisor and would give me the opportunity to just talk and laugh during a busy day. I will so miss those times with her.

My prayers and condolences go to her family. She will be missed by many of us, especially me.

Joan Setty
3 years ago

I was in her charter class for the MHHS program at YSU. She was so enthusiastic and encouraging to our group of adults returning to classes. Dr. M is a special person and will be missed.

Christine Bode
3 years ago

Dr Mik was a fabulous professor and kind human being. She taught many of my courses during my Health Education major course of study. My sincere condolences to her family.

Christina Buccino
3 years ago

Dr. Mikanowicz was a wonderful professor at YSU. I was in her MHHS program there. I will never forget her hard work and dedication to the program. I loved meeting with her. Such a wonderful person. Many blessings. She loved her family.

Connie Cirrincione
3 years ago

Dear Todd and Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Carol accomplished so many things in her lifetime but her greatest was her beautiful children. May your memories of her bring you comfort and peace.

Marc Budd
3 years ago

Mrs. Mik was a wonderful lady! I have to many fond memories to list while growing up with her son Todd in Port Allegany. Mrs. Mik was always kind, welcoming and generous to the neighborhood kids! Thanks for everything Mrs. Mik, I’ll miss you.

Julie Harris
3 years ago

Dear Todd and family
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. Thinking of you all.