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Nancy Zafris Obituary

Zafris, Nancy
1954 - 2021
Nancy died at home on August 1 with Jim, Sam, and Abby by her side. Daughter of Marge and Steve Sydor, Nancy leaves behind sisters, Diane Sydor and Corinne Zigman (Rick); as well as niece, Jennifer Sydor (Daniel). Nancy valued her friends deeply, first among them Lori White, Nathalie Maerschalck, and Ellen Weeren. Nancy's family is profoundly grateful for the care she received from Dr. Ramaswamy and her team at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. Any donations should be directed to them.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Aug. 6 to Aug. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Zafris

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

19 Entries

Mary Rechner

August 29, 2021

From the very first time I met Nancy, my mentor in grad school, she inspired me and made me laugh. As a teacher she was gifted and generous. She reminded me that the writing life "wasn't a race." She cared about-- and was fascinated by-- people more than anything else, I think, and that came through in all her words on the page and in the quality of her relationships.

Shanti Chandrasekhar

August 22, 2021

I couldn't believe Nancy Zafris would be my writing partner in an online workshop (2017) when the instructor paired us together. That's how I met her. During the workshop, I already saw Nancy in two important roles in my life - as a writing teacher (her five-page feedback on my short submission was truly like a class in itself), and more importantly, as a friend. Yes, we became friends. Then I attended her class (Kenyon Review Writers Workshop) in 2018. And we remained friends, exchanging long, frequent emails, and talking on the phone sometimes.
As I said to her in one of my emails, for some reason I can't seem to separate writing from Nancy Zafris! Nancy will, forever, remain as one of the most special persons I've ever known....

Ben King

Planted Trees

Susi Lovell

August 19, 2021

I feel very fortunate to have had Nancy as a mentor at Kenyon in 2012. She was a brilliant and perceptive teacher and I'll forever be grateful for her guidance, encouragement and support. My condolences to her loved ones.

Brad Kessler

August 17, 2021

So devastated... words have not yet caught up. ....missing you, Nancy--sending love to Jim and Sam

Lori and Carrie

Planted Trees

Nita

Planted Trees

Sughan Harrish

August 16, 2021

I was devastated on hearing her departure. Nancy Mam was one of the kindest and nurturing woman I've ever met. I knew her since December 2020. I was introduced to her in a writing Workshop organized by Kenyon. Everyday in her presence was a new opportunity. She saw me in my writings the way my mom would have known about me. We all miss her. But her writings will guide us to eternity. My sincerest condolences to her family.

Matt O'Bryan

August 13, 2021

Nancy will be sadly missed. Such a wonderful person who was gifted in so many areas. Her intellect and sense of humor never left a dull moment in the room. She was always willing to help anyone in need. I remember the time she assisted me with the correct structure, grammar and content of my college application essay and then helped my children with their college essay efforts some 30 years later. Rest in peace dear Cousin, you fought the good fight and we have all suffered a loss.

Cliff and Kuniko Weber

August 13, 2021

We first met Nancy after her return to Kenyon College from Japan, after she had studied there for a year and acquired a remarkable knowledge of the language. Throughout her senior year, she and Kuniko met in our living room and read through a difficult Japanese novel in the original. Even to casual acquaintances, Nancy's formidable intelligence was obvious early on. Her close friends, however, were also the privileged beneficiaries of her wit and extraordinary kindness. When Kuniko was in the hospital and in need of a blood transfusion, Nancy stepped forward and contributed her own plasma, just so that Kuniko wouldn't have to worry about a stranger's blood coursing through her veins. After that, we were convinced that Nancy would do anything for a friend, and others have said the same thing. We retired in 2003, left Ohio that year, and now live in Japan. More than anyone, we were looking forward to welcoming Nancy back to the country where she spent two full years before she was 25. Now that that can't happen, we are quite devastated. Requiescas in pacem, dear Nancy.

Angela Chaffin

August 12, 2021

I knew Nancy Zafris only through her writing. When I found something new from her, it was like discovering a treasure. Condolences to her loved ones.

Nancy Ludmerer

Planted Trees

Nancy Ludmerer

August 11, 2021

Dearest friend, teacher, mentor, role model. Every time I sit down to write, I think of her. Her perceptiveness, honesty, support, generosity, and lovingkindness were unmatched. Sending comfort and love to Jim, Sam, and Abby and her extended family, and a hug for Rascal, who made her laugh.

Alison Hubbard

August 10, 2021

I had the privilege of studying with Nancy at Kenyon Revue in the summer of 2018. Every night we were given an assignment. The assignments got tougher and longer as the week went on, as if we were jumping over higher and higher hurdles. Each mornng Nancy sat at the head of the table like a mother hen-or a mother eagle-ready to listen to what we had written, to give praise or tell us how it could be better. I learned a great deal from her that week. The biggest lesson was to have the courage to reach higher, dig deeper. I will always treasure my time with Nancy. My sincerest condolences to her friends and family.

Alison Hubbard

David Schwartz

Planted Trees

Fabiola Jacob

August 7, 2021

Nancy Zafris was indeed a blessing! I had the privilege of attending the Kenyon-IIT Madras Fiction Writing Workshop with Nancy Zafris as our mentor. She was such a good facilitator & teacher, always very encouraging and inspiring. So sad to hear that she is no more. May she rest in peace.

Vatsala S.

August 7, 2021

May God give strength to Sam and the rest of Nancy's family. I had the pleasure of interacting with Nancy in December last year during a writing workshop. I could see the visible improvement in my writing in as little as seven days. But more than writing, Nancy had the rare talent of connecting with people and drawing them into her world. It's no surprise that she has managed to impact countless people in her brief but meaningful stay on Earth. I will never forget her gentle encouragement and empathetic words during this time of pandemic. I am grateful to God for letting me meet her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

-Vatsala S. (a former student of the Kenyon Review-IITM writing workshop)

Jennifer Genest

August 7, 2021

My deepest sympathy to Jim, Sam, Abby, and Nancy's entire family. She was an incredibly talented, smart, funny, & unique soul who impacted so many through her writing, teaching, heart, & generosity. I will forever be inspired by her. I was blessed to know her. Love & comfort to you during this tender time. Jennifer (former student from Antioch & Kenyon)