SOUTHAMPTON - Nancy A. (Flynn) Conz, 59, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at home. She was born in Boston on May 1, 1957, a daughter of Thomas and Marjorie (Sheys) Flynn.

Nancy graduated from Hampshire Regional High School in 1975 and worked as a house mother at Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton. An accomplished runner, Nancy coached cross country and track at Mt. Holyoke College and ran and represented New Balance. She rose to prominence in the early 1980s, compiling a long list of signature performances, including a 1980 exhibition 10k at the olympic trials in Oregon to prove women could do distance events. After that she placed second in the Avon International Marathon in London (1980) and won the Avon International Marathon in Ottawa (1981) and the Chicago Marathon (1982). She also posted strong performances in the Boston Marathon (1981) and Tokyo Marathon (1983). Nancy currently holds many course records and two American records for a 20K in a female-only race (Washington D.C., 1982) and hour-long run on a track (UMass, 1981). Outside of racing Nancy enjoyed her time working at the now-closed Runner's Shop in Northampton, and in more recent years at the Northampton Running Company. She loved connecting with and giving advice to runners from the community and made countless friends between the two businesses.

Besides her parents, Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul R. Conz; sons Derek L. Conz of Southampton and Jarryd R. Conz of Holyoke; stepson Myles Healy and his wife Carrie of Shelburne; grandchildren Seth and Peter Healy; two brothers, Tom Flynn and his wife Bonnie of Southampton and Kevin Flynn of Northfield; two sisters, Kathy Flynn and her partner Steve Delaney of Easthampton, and Julie Denmark and her husband Chuck of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to being a world-class runner, Nancy was known for sharing baked goods and making new friends wherever she went. She battled adenoid cystic carcinoma for 18 years, and was known for maintaining a positive outlook in addition to an amazing sense of humor. Nancy was a friend and advocate for cancer survivors. A funeral home service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, with burial to follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, 320 North Maple St., both in Northampton. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy's memory to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF), P.O. Box 442, Needham, MA 02494 or VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, Inc., 168 Industrial Dr. Suite 1, Northampton, MA 01060.

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Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Feb. 13, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Conz

11 Entries

February 17, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I worked with her at Clarke School many years ago. We once went to Bermuda together with a group of friends! What a trip that was- great fun.I will always remember Nancy's great smile and determination . Prayers
for the entire family and friends.
Best, Debbie Omasta-Mokrzecki

Ali Hayford

February 15, 2017

I am happy to have known Nancy as my coach at Mount Holyoke and will remember her generosity, humbleness, and patience and the delicious baked goods she always made for us.

February 14, 2017

I first met Nancy playing race director at the Whiting Reservoir she'd chat with everyone then she'd say I have to warm up and kick into gear and just disappear on the course, that red mane flying elbows flailing and just running like the wind. We'll miss you Nancy we've lost a true friend and warrior Western Mass Lost a world class runner who was also a beautiful person.

Bill Milkiewicz

William Milkiewicz

February 14, 2017

Nancy you are a warrior and I know that some day in the future it'll be like Deja Vieux. You will sill be that warrior, running races. I'll miss talking to you at the Running Co. about everything running.

Beth Tiffany

February 14, 2017

I first met Nancy in grammar school when her family moved to Rattle Hill Road in Southampton and we became friends. For sooo many years I drove by her as she was running on Pomeroy Meadow or Route 10, day after day, she was such an inspiration. A few years ago I started running and went to the store to buy running shoes and I met her again, she remembered me and recalled how we met and thanked ME for being her friend so long ago, we talked about our families, wildlife and of course running. Such a warm friendly selfless woman I was excited to go get new sneakers because I knew I would see her. To all of her family I am so sorry for your loss of such a strong woman, mother, wife, daughter. Sincerely Beth Raymond (Tiffany) originally from Glendale Road Southampton, The Raymond family. I am unable to go to the services but please share my condolences to her mom and Dad Tom & Marj from myself and my mom Peg Raymond.

Neal Lamberton

February 14, 2017

So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I remember when we would both show up at the Widing Reservoir to do the Thursday nite races. She would wear her racing shoes on her hands to do the warmup until the race started and then put them on. I don't think she ever knew my name, but she always recognized me as another fellow runner. She never liked to do a warmup or a cooldown by herself so I was willing to tag along for her safety and comfort. God Bless and may her soul rest in peace.

February 14, 2017

So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. We were neighbors and often talked with Nancy in the neighborhood on Kingsberry Ln. Beautiful person and always nice to talk with. We'd see her almost every day running by the house getting ready and training for yet another marathon. She is still running marathons and talking with folks, she's happy, young and healthy again...in heaven. God Bless to all her family and friends. We all loved you.

Kelli and Leo Guglielmo
Ormond Beach, FL

February 14, 2017

I remember her fitting me for running shoes at the Runners Shop in Northampton and seeing her running along Pomeroy Meadow Rd. in Southampton with her flailing elbows. Quite a classy lady. RIP Nancy

Jeff Hansen

February 13, 2017

Thank you Nancy for making me a better listener and a more humble runner (hence a better person). You'll be deeply missed for the person you were; generous, kind and self-less. RIP

Mark Ahart

Sent Flowers

Laura Connor

February 13, 2017

My family and I met Nancy many years ago when Perry Messer opened the first Northampton Athletic Club. Such a great lady. She will be missed.My prayers and thoughts are with your family

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