Photo courtesy of O'Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - South Hadley
South Hadley, Massachusetts
Feb 4, 1940 – Apr 7, 2023
Nancy C. Gauthier, 1940 - 2023
It is with sad hearts and warm memories that we announce the passing of an amazing woman. After a brief illness, Nancy Gauthier of Chicopee went to join her beloved husband Roger on Friday April 7th with her loving family by her side. Nancy was born in Holyoke, MA to the late Joseph Smolen and Lillian (Bienvenue) Smolen Phaneuf. Nancy was also predeceased by her dear step-father Paul “Peppy” Phaneuf, a well-known boxer at the Valley Arena. She attended Holyoke High School and enjoyed her early years in South Holyoke where she met the love of her life and best friend, Roger Gauthier. They were married for 57 years before Roger’s passing in 2015. Nancy and Roger raised their family in Chicopee. Nancy worked for many years at Spalding Sports Worldwide and she retired from the Human Resources Department in 1999 after 30 years at the company.
Together, Nancy and Roger lived a full life and spent many winters soaking up the sun and enjoying their many friends in Englewood, Florida. They enjoyed boating, bicycling, walking, traveling and keeping active. Nancy enjoyed listening to music and never passed up an opportunity to dance. In her later years, Nancy made a new home at The Arbors in Chicopee where she enjoyed socializing with the new friends she made. Nancy had a joyful personality, and if anyone were to ask her how she was feeling, she'd always smile and say, “I'm happy!”.
Nancy is survived by her loving children, Debra (Gauthier) Marcotte and her husband Paul of Chicopee, her son Gary Gauthier and his wife Machel of Hebron, CT, her half-sister Audrey Smolen and her step mother Rosa Smolen of South Hadley. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Katelyn (Marcotte) Joly and husband James, Kristen (Marcotte) Grigas and husband Jason, and Ryan and Joshua Gauthier. Nancy was also Gigi to her great grandchildren, Evelyn and Audrey Joly. Nancy also leaves many relatives, special friends and neighbors to cherish her memory.
Burial will be at the convenience of her family. Our mother would want you to remember her with a smile. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Shriners Hospital. The O’Brien Family Funeral Home of South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.
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With Deepest Sympathy! Miss your smile and your wave when I drove by your house!
Linda Buckley
July 25, 2023
From my first day working at Spalding, when she took my picture for my ID badge, Nancy was always a wonderful part of the HR group. She was consistently a friendly face to help out with employee and company issues and invariably had a kind word for everyone. I am sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to Nancy's family.
Thomas Kennedy
May 29, 2023 | Harwich, MA | Coworker
RIP, my beautiful friend, every morning you were always smiling and so appreciative when I served you your first cup of coffee in the morning Heaven has gained an Angel
Marie, formerly of Arbors
April 12, 2023 | Work
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will miss you and that wonderful smile ! You always made my mornings ! My condolences to a very nice family ! With much love !
Lorrene, RCA of the Arbors
April 11, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Richard Boisjolie
April 11, 2023 | Friend
Nancy always had a pleasant greeting and smile for everyone, she was "The Best of Spalding"!
Nanci Brooks Jasienowski
April 11, 2023
Dear Debbie and Gary and your families, Nancy's Uncle Louis and her cousins Janice, Peter and Tina offer you our sincerest sympathies on your loss. Nancy never said a harsh word against anyone and we remember her as always being sweet and kind. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May your beautiful memories sustain you through this loss.
Uncle Louis and cousins Janice, Peter and Tina
April 10, 2023 | Family
I can always remember Nancy and I talking when we retired where we were going to start our second life into our retirement she went to Florida and I went to Myrtle Beach it was nice when we did meet up at the spaghetti dinners at the knights of Columbus and had our talks I'm very sorry that she had passed
Sandy Litwin
April 10, 2023 | Myrtle Beach, SC | Friend
Nancy was everyone's champion. She was kindness and light; and she smoothed Roger's sometimes rough edges with her dulcet voice and gentle manner. Every child in the neighborhood adored her. She was happy and active and modern in a "That Girl" kind of way: smart and sweet and savvy. She loved a party and I have fond memories of their friends in the back yard with their drinks; playing lawn games and enjoying each other's company. When I was young, Gram and Pep were there as well. When I was...
Diane Houle
April 10, 2023 | Neighbor
