Nancy Gibbs Zaenglein

1926 - 2019

Nancy Gibbs Zaenglein

Penfield - June 18, 1926 - August 31, 2019. Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family at age 93.

Born in Rochester, Nancy lived her life serving others. She was a graduate of the Columbia School, Mount Holyoke College and Western Reserve University, where she earned her Master of Social Work. She began her professional career in Boston and later moved to Brooklyn, running an agency for disadvantaged children. In 1958, she married Roger and after several moves, they settled in Penfield to be near family and raise their four children. Nancy was a fun, energetic and loving mother who always encouraged her children's interests. She led Campfire Girl, Girl Scout and 4-H troops, sewed costumes for Halloween and musicals, stayed up late to help with school projects, tucked special notes in lunchboxes, and so much more.

She returned to the profession she loved once her children were in school, working as a geriatric social worker for St. Johns Home and Reformation Lutheran Church. She served in leadership positions on numerous boards, including St. Johns Home, Fairport Baptist Home and Medical Motor Service. Throughout her life, she was a passionate volunteer and active member of many organizations including the Century Club, Meals on Wheels, Hakkoreoth Book Club, Camp Joy, RMSC Women's Council, and P.E.O., to which she belonged since 1952. She was a faithful and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Penfield for 50 years. During that time she was involved in all areas of the church; teaching Sunday School, working at pancake breakfasts and chicken BBQ's, serving on boards and committees and caring for her church community.

A lifelong learner, Nancy was an avid reader and took a variety of classes such as car repair, cake decorating and gemology. She took great pleasure in the arts, visiting galleries, and frequently attending concerts and operas with Roger. She was a talented watercolor artist. Nancy loved spending time outdoors with Roger caring for their beautiful gardens. Ever active, she and Roger took tai-chi and spinning classes, rode their bikes and walked around town. Nancy loved to travel with Roger, particularly for family vacations and to see their grandchildren. Nancy's steadfast commitment to her family and friends will be deeply missed.

Nancy is survived by Roger, her loving husband of 61 years; children, Kate (George) Korsh, Claire (Steve) Van Arsdale, "Chip" (Chris) Zaenglein and Elisa (Denis) Vettier; grandchildren, Will Korsh, Evelyn Van Arsdale, Chloe and Sophia Zaenglein, Freesia and Tristan Vettier; sister, Molly King; brother, Charles F. Gibbs, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Dr. Charles B. F. and Blanche H. Gibbs.

A Memorial Service for Nancy will be held at the First Baptist Church of Penfield, 1862 Penfield Road, on Saturday, September 7th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Nancy may be made to the First Baptist Church of Penfield Memorial Fund or Meals on Wheels (urmc.rochester.edu/home-care, designation "Meals on Wheels") or Medical Motor Service (medicalmotors.org). To share a memory of Nancy or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.