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Nancy Karella Obituary
She was born in Dallas, Texas, and is the daughter of Rita Nowakowski and the late Stanley Nowakowski.
Nancy retired as an administrative assistant from Hampshire College.
She graduated in 1970 from Easthampton High School and received a Bachelors of Science degree in marine biology from Smith College.
She leaves her mother Rita (Guerrette) Nowakowski formerly of Easthampton; her sons Justin Karella of Edwards, Colorado, and Nathan Karella and his wife Rainy of Maui, Hawaii; her sister Theresa Lapan and her husband Leo of Northampton; and her grandson Tyler Samuel-Segal.
Nancy was predeceased by her father Stanley Nowakowski and her brother Thomas Nowakowski.
A celebration of her live will be held Wednesday, June 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Hitchcock Center, 845 West St., Amherst, MA.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Hitchcock Center, 845 West St. Amherst, MA 01002.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Karella
Martha
June 14, 2024
On this day of remembering Nancy, I send renewed care and concern to her family. Nancy was a special neighbor and close friend during our school days.
Martha Terry, South Hadley
Rebecca Nordstrom
June 21, 2017
I was so sorry to hear this sad news and send my condolences to Nancy's family. I knew her at Hampshire College where she was a great help to me on many occasions with all things computer related. (She even came to my home a couple of times to help me out). I will miss her kindness and her sense of humor.
June 21, 2017
I met Nancy through the Eat-Up Meetup Group. After she retired she did some database project work for me, and we were friends. It is so sad to think she's gone from us so soon.
Sue Darlington
June 21, 2017
I got to know Nancy well through the committee that helped plan the Kern Center. She kept us organized and on track. More than her efforts at work, though, I was always inspired by her garden. She shared raspberry plants with me, and I will cherish them in her honor in my yard. She was generous, thoughtful, and always kind. My deepest condolences to her family.
Reeve Gutsell
June 21, 2017
I had only recently gotten to know Nancy through volunteering together at the Hitchcock Center. I very much enjoyed talking with her about her permaculture garden - her deep commitment to the environment will surely be missed. Many condolences to her family and friends.
Leo Guglielmo
June 21, 2017
Thinking of your whole family at this sad time. Nancy was a special friend of mine since meeting her during middle school. Everybody loved Nancy, and she was so happy all the time. So sorry to hear of her passing, she will be truly missed by all.
Sincerely,
Leo Guglielmo
martha terry
June 20, 2017
I knew Nancy since she moved to my childhood neighborhood decades and decades go. She was very very smart, creative, and an assertive young woman. I congratulate her on her earning a BS in Marine Science from Smith College. She and I used to ride bikes together. Nancy, you are the best. I will miss you so much. From your old childhood friend.
Mary Jane Schroeder
June 20, 2017
Paul,
Thinking of you and your boys at this sad time.
Mary Jane (Adams) Schroeder
Carol Aleman
June 20, 2017
I called on Nancy many times during her years at Hampshire from my perch at the Five College Consortium. She was such fun to work with, ever ready to engage in a humorous anecdote and prepared to share her words of wisdom. Always welcoming, generous, and thoughtful, she would go the extra mile, if she could. My heart goes out to her family.
Laura Smiarowski
June 20, 2017
As a former colleague of Nancy's at Hampshire College, I would like to express my condolences to her family at this difficult time
Susan Tracy
June 20, 2017
I worked with Nancy at Hampshire. She first worked in the IT department and was very patient in explaining the various computer systems to us. I always appreciated her sense of humor, patience and kindness. I am very sorry to learn about her passing.
Beth Carmichael
June 20, 2017
Nancy had an infectious laugh and was a wonderful colleague. A good friend, she was kind and patient, smart and sassy. I shall miss her. I regret that I can't attend the service, and send my condolences to her family and friends.
Nancy Apple
June 20, 2017
Nancy was such a vibrant person, living her values and enjoying life. I so enjoyed working with and getting to know her. So sorry I will not be able to attend the celebration of her life. My thoughts are with her family.
Leo Lapan
June 20, 2017
Nancy was an amazing woman and will be surely missed by her family and friends. My wife Terry has lost her very best friend. She was with her through every part of her recent illnesses with unwavering support. Nancy is together again with her Dad and her beloved Brother Tommy. May her spirit rise to meet with them . I too will miss her every day . So long for now my friend
I'll remember Nancy as a talented gardener, passionate environmentalist, knowledgable nutritionist, spiritual seeker, generous soul, good friend.
Nancy Osgood
June 20, 2017
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Funeral services provided by:
Boucher-O'Brien Funeral Home (B.O.F.H)7 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA 01027
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