Nancy Gillette

PENN YAN - Nancy Diven Gillette, Heaven and angels came to earth July 7, 2024, and took Nancy home to be with her mother, two sons and other loved ones.

Friends may call on Thursday (July 18) from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friends are invited to a reception following the service at the Methodist Memorial Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to, Penn Yan United Methodist Church, 166 Main St., Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527, or to Humane Society of Yates, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527, or to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527.

She was born at the Pulver family homestead to Kenneth Earl Diven and Nancy Doris Pulver April 9, 1929 on her mother's 21st birthday. She remembers a happy childhood through the depression era years. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1946, and RBI in Aug 1947, marrying Donald Gillette two days later. They spent over four years moving frequently to follow Don's road construction jobs. In 1952, they purchased a home on Keuka Lake where Nancy lived for 55 years, raising three sons. She worked at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church for 19 years, and then seven more at the Finger Lake Association. She worked at the Red Cross blood canteens, recruited volunteers, and donated 17 gallons of blood. Most recently, she was recognized by the Soldier and Sailors Hospital Auxiliary for over 4500 hours of volunteer work. Though many favored pastimes, sailing on Keuka was her most treasured.

She is survived by son Blair (Laurie); daughters-in-law, Robin Crist, Laurie H Gillette; grandchildren, Chad (Jennifer), Jacob (Courtney), Krista, Ryan (Kaitlyn), and Brenna Ogilvie (Tyler); great grandchildren, Marshall, June, Brent, Nora, Imogen, Genesis Rebecca, and Colin; Sister-in-law Kathleen Gillette; best friend Marilyn Smith; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by sons, Bryan and Brent; mother, Doris; loving friend Dale; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Elsie Gillette, Mildred and Harold Burke, Kenneth Gillette; and former husband Donald Gillette

Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to the Gillette Family.