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Nancy McHugh Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Nancy McHugh
Sponsored by David Pomatti.
Bob Infantino
January 11, 2018
Nancy McHugh
A complete and fearless leader who modeled for her colleagues as well as for her students. Thank you Nancy for showing all of us the way. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
Bob Infantino
Professor of EducationEmeritus
University of San Diego
Peter Thoegersen
January 9, 2018
Dear Nancy McHugh,
I am sad to hear of your passing. I remember you from my High School days. I had dropped out in the middle of my senior year and you had phoned me at home to express your sadness about my decision to leave school and potentially ruin my life, which I did, as a matter of fact, nothing I wanted ever worked out, but you believed in me and called me an "idea" person. I thank you for your encouragement. I have always been honored by your words. Although I went back to school later in life, and now have a doctorate in music, there are few jobs in my field, and I sit inside a looming mound of debt. You most certainly did love your students. What an awesome person you were and are.
Peter Thoegersen
December 10, 2012
It is with great sadness that I learned of Nancy McHugh's passing. As a student at Grant HighSchool from 1982-1985, I was extremely, extremely fortunate to have had her as a teacher in Honors English and again, in AP English. She was not just a teacher, but a mentor, coach, and guide as I developed my academic and life skills. I have very fond memories of the projects we did during 10th grade and again in 12th grade. To her family, I want to thank you for the time you allowed her to spend with us.
I'm sure she probably never new this, but because of her careful coaching, and her guidance, I've gone on to become a doctor, a professor, and coach of my own students in an academic setting. Her excellent skills as an English teacher have enabled me to become an effective professor, and published author.
The day before graduation, Grant High School 1985, Nancy McHugh came up to me during rehearsal. She told me I could write, not to give up, continue improving, learning, testing the limits. Because of her never ending dedication, generations of students have gone on to successful careers, giving back. I know I have, and I thank Nancy McHugh for this.
Paul Subar DDS, EdD
Assistant Professor
Director
Special Care/Hospital Dentistry
University of the Pacific, San Francisco
Drew Pomatti
October 2, 2012
Drew
I look into those deep brown eyes,
Fringed with lashes any girl would
Die for. And I see yellow laughter
And blue dreaminess and warm love and,
Most of all, enthralling innocence.
When I gaze at that dear little face,
I see his father (my son), and myself
At four-- and I almost know who I
Was-- and am.
This was one of a page of poems that my grandmother felt inspired to write about me when I was much younger. The others document moments and milestones of my adolescence, like the fact that at age one I already knew one hundred words. Not bad for a one- year-old, but my grandmother was the one who took the time to count them and write them all down. Another describes one of our outings to the Pantages Theater, a memory she recalled often. When we were both nervous for different reasons sitting in our seats and admiring the beautifully restored theater. I turned to her and said, “Grandma, this is a wonderful place!”
I remember several of our “outings” to local theaters, museums, and other amusing forums. Each ended with me in my car seat in the back of her car as she drove me home. By this point I was always exhausted, so I would close my eyes and start to nod off. “Don't fall asleep!” she would warn from the front seat, grinning and looking at me
in the rearview mirror. “I'm not sleeping, Grandma, I'm only resting my eyes.” I'd say every time. This was undoubtably a line I'd heard my dad give my mom when she would also catch him taking an afternoon nap. My grandmother would laugh, and each time, without fail, I'd be fast asleep by the time she pulled up to the house to drop me off. Though I'm sure I was often cranky from being woken up prematurely from a nap, my grandmother never let it spoil the end of the outing. And despite her warning from the front seat, she'd always let me fall asleep on the ride home if I was tired enough.
This patience and unwavering love shined through in just about every aspect of my relationship with my grandmother. I know she believed in me, was proud of me, and had high hopes and expectations for me, but she also taught me the meaning of unconditional love. I remember making grandma cookies with her and seeing how much of the dough she would let me eat, and how many times I could get away with mashing the cookies with a fork without rinsing it in the water again.
These are some of the memories I've held dearest from my childhood. But lately as I've been looking back over photographs, and papers, I've begun to take on a new appreciation for my grandmother. The endless poems, stories, and essays that she kept ?led away all those years at Scadlock tell me something about her, and
show me something about myself. How ?tting that her poems, like my innocent eyes at four-years-old, are now able to show me a part of my grandmother which I somehow inherited. Beyond physical resemblance, and a passion for dressing up, I credit my grandmother with instilling in me a love of language and words. That as much as they can be used as a tool in academic pursuits, she showed me that they are also malleable enough to be played with for one's own amusement. I certainly don't consider myself to be anywhere near the writer my grandmother was, but I too have started to compile my own catalogue of verses and essays and I feel extremely proud to have been recognized by the NCTE Council for which she served as president.
So, as I prepared for today, it seemed ?tting to honor her through verse. An old
picture of us having just completed a puzzle served as the moment of inspiration.
Pieces Falling Into Place
I sit at her dining room table
A boy with his grandmother ?nishing a puzzle
It's dif?cult to rest until the last piece comes together
Until the image is complete
Each of the fragmented thoughts forming a singular vision
Until it has been instilled with an aura
Only then may you sigh, whew! I haven't lost any
And truly enjoy the fruits of one's labor
Though I was only 4, I already had a sense of this feeling
Of a restlessness verging so closely on the satisfaction
Of being able to step back and admire your work
When your efforts take on a form that you can be proud of
Its a moment worth pushing oneself for when you can make your own reward
Perhaps I learned this from my grandmother then
And realized that it could be applied to more than puzzles and baking Grandma cookies
And now that she's gone, this is how I will start to remember her
As pieces coming together, forming one loving, momentous, unwavering, and accomplished individual
So yes, there are pieces enough
And now that they have fallen into place
I can begin to truly appreciate each one
--Drew Pomatti -Sept 1, 2012
laura spicer rosenstein
August 28, 2012
Nancy was my cousin, but I only met her on a couple of occasions. I am so impressed by the comments I have read about Nancy.
I teach art in Texas, and I can only aspire to touch my students and colleagues in the way that Nancy Spicer McHugh did.
From the family of Nancy's Uncle Danny (my father), our deepest condolences go out to all of Nancy's loved ones.
Kate Pomatti
August 26, 2012
Again, thank you so much for sharing your kind memories & condolences. Just making sure everyone knows that
we've set the date , time, and place for Nancy's memorial service. Please join us in celebrating and remembering the life of Nancy.
Memorial Service for Nancy McHugh, 1925-2012
2 pm, Saturday, September 1st, 2012
The Village at Sherman Oaks
5450 Vesper Ave.
Sherman Oaks, Ca 91411
Kyoko Sato Handler
August 18, 2012
August 18, 2012
I first met Nancy Delaney in the early ‘60s when I was assigned by UCLA to student teach at University High School. I was officially supposed to student teach under Robert Freyer, who was a highly-skilled and experienced teacher of English. After six weeks of my having observed his 6th period 10th grade class I made copious notes on his delivery of content, class control, and skilled rapport with his students. Then much to my surprise, Mr. Freyer, suggested that I should go downstairs and perhaps begin to observe a dynamic, intelligent female teacher named Nancy Delaney. Bob's point was that because male teachers can more easily discipline their classes---just because men assert their male authority figure by wearing a power suit and a tie. I should observe some female teachers who have to put out far more energy in order to maintain control of a classroom.
So I went downstairs to Room 109 and began to observe Ms Delaney's [Nancy McHugh's] 10th grade English classroom---regularly. Ms. Delaney was in the midst of teaching subjunctive clauses, differentiating between dependent and independent clauses. I began taking notes on how Nancy conveyed so clearly some complicated grammar concepts, helping her students to differentiate between a dependent clause and an independent one. It was difficult for me to keep pace---writing furiously to capture the content of her presentation to the students, while simultaneously focusing on how she was reaching the students. Some were “getting it slowly.” Others were completely lost. A few seemed to understand the concept. While most classes might easily descend into disruptive behavior by now, Nancy's did not. She was so patient, fielding questions, singling out specifically cogent ones, and reiterating key rules, which the students wrote down dutifully into their notebooks.
The entire class was captivated. They were “on-task,” listening intently to her review of this grammar lesson! She would illustrate, put sample sentences into a new context, review the original concept in different words---yet she never showed a trace of impatience or exasperation. She had a way of presenting already reviewed material in a fresh way, a technique that filled her students with the courage to ask her the same questions they had already raised before. If anything, Nancy continually exuded excitement---over grammatical terms! The learning went on and no student would even think to belittle a fellow student over what might have been already asked. The class had such respect for the depth of Nancy's knowledge and appreciated her gift of explaining and illustrating these abstract grammatical terms in ways that connected to these 10th grade students. Nancy was my idol. I wouldn't even dare imitate her teaching techniques. Who could? But I was inspired and still stand in awe of her thorough knowledge of grammar and her exceptional understanding of how language works.
The other area outside the classroom where she influenced me considerably was to open up to me the world of professional relationships that exist beyond our resident schools. With Nancy's encouragement, I began to join the rich network of English teachers at the state and national levels---especially the National Council of Teachers of English. Through this extended world of English professionals, she led me to expand my knowledge and my perspective. Thank you, Nancy.
Kyoko Sato Handler
Carol Avery
August 17, 2012
I met Nancy at the English Coalition Conference in the summer of 1987. She went out of her way to get to know me and to applaud my contributions (as a first grade teacher) to that group. Later she arranged for me to visit CA classrooms during a sabbatical year. When I was elected to the presidency of NCTE she was one of the first to send congrats and offer support. I will long remember her warmth, her many kindnesses and her generous spirit.
August 17, 2012
Nancy was ahead of me in the lineup of NCTE presidents, and I always looked to her as a model of grace, intelligence, and diplomacy. She was a fine leader and a wonderful person whom I shall miss when the Past Presidents gather.
Anne Ruggles Gere
Richard Lloyd-Jones
August 17, 2012
Seeing Nancy at meetings of the NCTE Executive Committee was always a pleasure. She was affirmative and imaginative; that always pushed us forward.
August 3, 2012
We have some wonderful memories of times spent with Nancy and Ray. Nancy's enthusiasm, intelligence, and love of life were and are an inspiration. Marty and Karin Levine
Nolan Marciniec
August 3, 2012
Nancy would certainly be amused by the misplaced modifier in my message! But it is no less sincere.
Nolan Marciniec
August 3, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Nancy's recent passing. I knew her only tangentially, as a friend ofher sister Mary Jo. I couldn't help but be impressed by her apparently inexhaustible energy, her reasoned optimism, and her genuine love for the challenge of teaching. As a relatively unseasoned teacher of English, she was truly an inspiration. She encouraged me to initiate an AP program at my HS in the early 70s, and it has grown impressively since that first AP course, a kind of tribute to a remarkable woman and educator. Ray, Tom, David, I know that you will take some solace in remembering the live she so generously shared with you.
August 2, 2012
Thank you so much for your kind memories & condolences.
We've set the date , time, and place for Nancy's memorial service. Please join us in celebrating and remembering the life of Nancy.
Memorial Service for Nancy McHugh, 1925-2012
2 pm, Saturday, September 1st, 2012
The Village at Sherman Oaks
5450 Vesper Ave.
Sherman Oaks, Ca 91411
Phyllis Chotin
August 2, 2012
You were the best next door neighbor ever!! (You and Ray of course!) I think of you and smile and always will. When I bought the house next door in '96 you welcomed me with a party to introduce me to all the Scadlock neighbors. You always thought of me on the holidays and more and you were such an inspiration watching you walk up and down our huge hill. I'll miss you Nancy but I will always fondly remember you!
Larry Kantor
August 2, 2012
I have had the honor and pleasure to be Nancy & Ray McHugh's accountant for the last 30 years.
Doing their taxes was merely a sidebar to the many wonderful hours we got to spend together.
They are the type of people who have a special positive effect on those lucky enough to have contact with them.
May Nancy rest in peace.
Love,
"Lucky" Larry Kantor
Bob Infantino
July 31, 2012
Nancy always inspired me to be a leader even when the going got tough. Both in CATE and in NCTE, Nancy was the epitome of class, persistence, and graciousness, always showing up and always serving others. I salute her and her memory. Bob Infantino, CATE President, 1994-96.
July 29, 2012
Truly grateful for having been a student of Mrs McHugh's, especially considering I now write and edit for a living. One year with her left a lifetime of benefits.
Kenneth Heinsius
July 29, 2012
I was a student in Mrs. McHugh's AP English class at Grant HS and a member of her Academic Decathlon Team in my senior year, 1984/85. She was wonderful and inspiring teacher. On the other hand, I was a lousy writer...and she definitely frequently called me on it! Seriously, I may not have made it through college without frequently remembering her persistent prodding and constructive criticisms to do better (nice alliteration, eh?). Certainly, Mrs. McHugh helped to make me a better writer. Now, in part, I ghost-write and edit for other writers! Unbelievable!
Some of the most memorable qualities I recall of one my two favorite english teachers (the other is her colleague: Mary Jane Horner) is Mrs. McHugh's passion for the classics, especially poetry -- John Donne, if I correctly recall. I well remember the excitement and inflection of her words and of her waiving her hands about whenever she read to us aloud. ...And, there was also her warm, wonderful, and approving smile -- always ear-to-ear -- whenever she was pleased with something someone did or said. :)
Okay, yes, I could have better edited this memorial! However, I will leave it as it is. ;)
With fond regards, rest in peace.
Kenneth Heinsius
[email protected]
Albert E. Aubin
July 28, 2012
It was my good fortunate to interact with Nancy in two different ways. My partner and Nancy were very involved in NCTE at the same time. In addition, I worked with Nancy as members of the EUCLAN Board which was a fundraiser for UCLA's Graduate School of Education. Nancy's dedication to each task was extrordinary and she herself was an extraordinary woman. She influenced hundreds of students and prospective teachers throughout her long career and they carry out her teaching philosophy.
Pat Murray
July 28, 2012
For over 20 years, Nancy was an inspiration to me as a teacher. She was always resourceful and helpful to me, her other co-teachers, and her many student teachers. An admired educator leader, she will also be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and her keen wit.
Robert Garland
July 27, 2012
Nancy was a wonderful teacher and a fine person. She improved the lives of hundreds of people. She will be missed.
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