Nancy L. Gresenz

Sturbridge: Nancy L. (Rothrock) Gresenz, 83, of Wells Park Rd., passed away on September 11th at UMass Memorial-Harrington, after a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Jon "Tim" Gresenz, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage and devoted family; their son Robert J. Gresenz and his wife Paula of Panama City, FL; daughter Tammy Cronin and her husband Jeff of Brimfield, MA; Nancy's sister, Cheryl Ann Rothrock of Hortonville, WI; grandchildren Andrew Gresenz and his wife Amanda, Justin Gresenz, Allyson Chase, and Haileigh Chase; as well as great grandchildren Luca and Owen Gresenz.

Nancy was born in Appleton, WI, the daughter of Frank W. and Mary Ann (Nolan) Rothrock. Nancy was first and foremost a caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed being active and involved in her community in many ways, including as a Boy Scout Den Mother, CCD Teacher and Apple Bazaar Co-Chair for many years at St. Anne's Parish. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and participated in many of their activities, often embracing them as passions of her own. Nancy was an avid NASCAR fan with her favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. She loved the exciting sights and sounds of cars on the track just as much as she loved the roar of the crowd at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. GO PACK GO!

Nancy had a long and diverse professional life which involved working as the Town of Sturbridge Executive Secretary as well as a Special Education Teacher for many years at Burgess Elementary School in Sturbridge. Nancy and Tim were especially proud to have owned the Sturbridge Heritage Motel in the heart of Sturbridge for over 20 years. During the 30 years she and Tim spent living on Hilton Head Island she also was active in managing that property and making it a beautiful and welcoming environment. Nancy was also very passionate about the Sturbridge Rotary Club, participating over 50 years alongside Tim and earning the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Another one of Nancy's favorite places to be was at their home on Big Alum Lake, where she loved their time relaxing and entertaining on the water. She was also very passionate about conserving Big Alum Lake for future generations to enjoy and served on the Board for many years.

A Funeral Mass for Nancy will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd, at 10:00am in St. Anne Church, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, MA 01518. Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 22nd, from 5:00 to 7:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sturbridge Rotary Club, P.O. Box 357, Sturbridge, MA 01566 or to St. Anne/St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St, Fiskdale, MA 01518.