Nancy Jane Malis

Nancy Jane Malis, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 11, 2024, in Scotia, New York. Born on October 9, 1934, in Schenectady, New York, to David and Jennie "Jane" (Bradt) Ferris, Nancy's life was a testament to the joy and beauty an individual can bring into the world.
Nancy's early years in Scotia were filled with the harmonious sounds of music. How she loved to sing! She was a member of a girls' singing group called the Bobolinks, whose voices graced the local radio waves. After graduating from Scotia -Glenville High School, her life blossomed further when she met the love of her life, Edmund L. Malis. The couple wed in 1955 and built a life rich in love and family in Charlton, New York.
Before embracing motherhood, Nancy worked for First National Bank, a role she would return to once her children were a bit older. The kids had mixed feelings about this since that meant she was not always there to greet them as they came home from school. But in true Mom style, on the days she was home, the smell of home baked cookies also was there to greet them and how they loved that! (As the beloved bank teller at the local branch, she became a cherished figure in the community, greeting everyone with a smile and her bright personality). However, it was her role as a mother that Nancy considered her greatest achievement, pouring her heart and soul into raising her children.
Nancy's life was characterized by her creative spirit and generous, loving nature. Her home reflected her meticulous care, as best you can with 5 kids. She loved dabbling in all kinds of crafts from ceramics to homemade wreathes and such. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her well-tended garden, a sanctuary where she cultivated stunning flowers and delicious vegetables. Nancy's commitment to an active lifestyle never waned; she took pride in her health, especially when it came to yoga, kayaking and in the winters, cross country skiing.
A fabulous cook known for her coq au vin, her mother's famous bread pudding recipe as well as the family Polish Golumpki cabbage rolls, Nancy's passion for cooking was lovingly passed down to, and shared by her children. Just one of the many ways she expressed her love for her family. Her interests extended beyond the home and into the community; she was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville, NY. Nancy's social calendar was always full, with gym classes and lunch dates with friends. She would drop everything if the kids wanted to go on a shopping expedition. Her family camp on Lake Pleasant provided years of cherished memories, and in retirement, Nancy and Edmund's passion for travel took them on adventures around the world. They delighted in cruises through historic Europe and wild Alaska and enjoyed the warmth of St. Pete, Florida, during their winter escapes.
Nancy's memory will be forever cherished by her loving husband, Edmund, her children Linda (Fred) Pflaum, David (Jackie) Malis, Diane Casey, and Christopher Malis; her grandchildren, Andrew (Aubry) Malis, Joel Malis, Sophie Malis, Michael (Brittani) Casey, and Kevin Casey; and her great-grandchildren, Kendra Kiechle, Kali Casey, and Camden Casey; her nephew, Mark (Cindy) Ferris, and niece, Ann (Robert) Laws Jr. Nancy is predeceased by her parents; her cherished son, Kevin Malis, and her brother, Burton Ferris (Veronica Smith).
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 17th at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, from 12 to 2 PM. Funeral Service will follow at 2 PM. Burial at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville on Monday, November 18th 10 AM.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1003 Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047.