Nancy G. Tinker

Nancy Tinker, 64, of Willimantic, Connecticut, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday, April 19, 2014 at her home. Nancy was a loving and generous mother and grandmother. She was also very active in her community, trying to help better the lives of those around her. From humble beginnings growing up in Rockland Maine, she worked very hard to excel both personally and professionally. Education was very important to her. As a single mother of two, she earned her bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from UMass Amherst. Later, she earned her Master of Science Degree in Organizational Management from ECSU. Her passion for education could also be seen in her work over the years in two public school systems. She was very active in the New Britain Board of Education from 1989-1993 and Windham's Board of Education from her election in November, 2011 until the time of her death. Her list of accomplishments, participation in civic organizations, and contributions to her community are vast. She was a loyal friend and will be missed by all. She loved spending time with her children and two grandchildren, reading, photography, and sewing. She was a staunch liberal, very active in local politics, a proud member of the Red Sox Nation, and an avid Elvis fan. She loved her job as Director of Facilities and Planning at ECSU, a position she held for the past fourteen years. She is predeceased by her brother John Townsend, and leaves behind her son, Jeremy Tinker, her daughter, Jody Tinker-Palaia, her son-in-law, William Palaia, her grandchildren, Kyle and Kelsey, her sister Ronna Walker, and several nieces and nephews. Her family will receive friends at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Friday, April 25th from 1:00-2:00pm with a memorial service beginning at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Nancy is welcome to make a donation to either Windham Public Schools After School Program (donations can be sent to the attention of the Finance Department 322 Prospect Street, Willimantic 06226) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148, referencing the following tribute #: 9889365). Nancy was very passionate about both of these worthwhile causes. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.