CANISTEO: Catherine Margaret “Nancy” Spencer, 89, of East Main St. passed away peacefully Friday (April 17, 2015) at the home of her daughter Karen (Spencer) Canne, where she had resided for the past six months.
Nancy was born October 15, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert L. and Catherine R. (Spalding) Glancey. On July 12, 1952 in Lockport, she married Kenneth E. Spencer who predeceased her in October of 1992.
She was a graduate of Lockport High School class of 1943, graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1948 with a degree in business education and earned her Masters at Columbia University in New York City. Her teaching career led her through two years at Jasper Central School and from 1948-1980 taught English and Business at Canisteo Central School. She also tutored English and typing at her home for many years. Nancy was honored with the 1972 Canisteo Year Book dedication and she was also the recipient of the Canisteo Rotary Club Teacher of the Year award.
Some accolades that were heard when she was a teacher in Canisteo were: “It was a joy to be in her class”, “Made going to school fun”, “Taught me so much” and “She always looked great wearing her sweaters and pearls” just to name of few.
She and her husband owned and operated the former Spencer’s Hardware and Appliance Store on Greenwood St. in Canisteo for a number of years and after the sale of their business, Nancy and Ken traveled the country as motel managers and lived in Dania Beach, Fl and Williamsburg, VA, until their return to Canisteo in 1987.
Nancy was very active at the former St. Joachim’s Catholic Church in Canisteo where she served on the Council of Churches, the Altar and Rosary Society and was the church secretary and treasurer for many years.
In her later years, Nancy enjoyed going to class reunions and social events put on by the classes of 1948 thru 1980 and enjoyed the time spent with her former students. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Nancy is survived by a daughter: Karen (Richard) Canne of Canisteo, a son: Robert (Donna) Spencer of Cumming, GA. Her three wonderful grand children: Ashlee (Sean) Spencer Diebler of Texas, Tyler Canne of Rochester and Zachary Canne of Canisteo, a step-granddaughter Lisa (Chris) Canne Datthyn of Sodus, N.Y. and step-great-grandson Jacob Dattyhn. Nancy is also survived by her life-long and dear friend Dorothy Lee Roe of Canisteo.
There will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will take place Thursday at 5:00 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. A private burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, in Nancy’s name, may be made to the Canisteo Valley Scholastic Education Foundation, c/o Peter Wall, 100 Greenwood St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823 or the Hornell Area Human Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd, Hornell, NY 14843.
Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.
