Nancy May Nelson

1938 - 2025

Nelson,

Nancy May

May 19, 1938 - Aug 27, 2025

Of Niagara Falls, NY. Nancy was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Wilbur and Winifred May (Burridge) Lauzau. Beloved wife of Herbert J. Nelson, mother of Cathy (Terrence Barron) Nelson and Susan (Ross) Eracitano; grandmother of Ryan (Lauren) Undercoffer, Rachael (Eric) Equils, Ross Eracitano Jr., Melissa (Austin) Gagliardi, Shane Nelson and Serena Nelson; and great-grandmother of Joanna, Evan, Callum and Arthur Undercoffer, and Simon Equils. Cherished sister to Bill (late Pat) Lauzau, the late Ronald (Marie) Lauzau, the late Joan (late Bob) McCarthy, John (late Joan) Lauzau, the late Dorothy (late Bob) Ackerson and Mary (late Ralph) Vescio, Nancy is also survived by many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Nancy lived a long, full and joyous life. She was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and attended Niagara University. Nancy married Herbert on Nov. 26, 1964, and worked for several years as a data processor before leaving her career to become a homemaker and raise her children. She was also an accomplished classical pianist. In the 1980s, she was called by the Holy Spirit to help feed and care for the less fortunate. Nancy worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the Catholic Worker, soon growing to manage and supervise the dining facility where she ensured hundreds of people received hot meals every day. In 1989, Nancy received The Niagara University Founders Award in recognition of her service to the university and the community. Upon receiving the award, Nancy was quoted as saying, "I don't care that there is no paycheck. It is hard to indulge in luxuries when so many go without." After retiring from her role at the Catholic Worker, Nancy continued to prioritize service to others, providing food and assistance to families in need. Nancy was also dedicated to her family and church. She was a longtime parishioner of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls where she sang in the choir and was a eucharistic minister. Nothing brought her as much pleasure as spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who looked forward to spending time with her as much as she did with them. The memories of her home-baked cookies, sitting together to read books, passing out dollar bills from the piggy banks she kept for each of them and endless supply of hugs is something they will cherish for life. One of the best ways to honor and remember Nancy's life is by being kind to others, especially those who are experiencing hunger or hardship. Monetary donations can be made in her honor to Heart, Love and Soul at 939 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, 14305. Visitation LANE FUNERAL HOME, 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, was held yesterday. Friends are invited to join the family for the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Cataract Church, Wednesday, September 3 at 2 p.m. (TODAY) with burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.