Nancy Mae "Schaefer" Murto

Canandaigua - After 95 remarkable years, our beloved Nancy Mae (Schaefer) Murto passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born to Carl and Elsie Schaefer on December 29, 1930, in Buffalo, NY, Nancy showed a zest for life from the start. A self-proclaimed tomboy, her childhood was marked by mischievous outdoor adventures, often with her dear younger brother, Carl. Nancy graduated from Williamsville High School and went on to study Home Economics at Russell Sage College, where she was active in student government and performed in skits and college productions.

It was during her college years that she met her husband, Peter Murto, a student at RPI. Nancy and Peter were married in 1952 and spent their first year of marriage trading love notes while Peter served overseas in the United States Army during the Korean War.

They went on to have three wonderful children, Sally, Jennifer, and Peter. Their childhood was marked by memorable camping adventures, family parties, laughing, singing, dancing, and an abundance of love - all of which centered around Nancy, who always brought joy and fun to everything and everyone. After raising their children, Nancy decided to pursue her master's degree in teaching, discovering a true passion for special education. She taught at the Cantalician Center in Buffalo, NY, for many years. Nancy was very involved with Clarence Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and Stephen Minister.

Nancy and Peter loved to travel, seeing much of the world together. Chilly Buffalo springs were spent on Sanibel Island, where they formed a tight-knit community and many long-lasting friendships. Summers were spent on Canandaigua Lake, boating, fishing, tubing, and enjoying family time galore.

Nancy was an avid gardener, a wonderful cook, and a devoted homemaker. She loved swimming, biking, and Tai Chi, exercising regularly into her 90s. Her children and grandchildren will never forget the beautiful dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas, followed by dancing and singing in the kitchen, as even cleanup was a joyful affair.

Her final years were spent making wonderful new friends at Ferris Hills and Clark Meadows in Canandaigua enjoying time with family, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, being "Gaga" to her youngest great-grandchildren, and making all around her feel special and loved.

Nancy is survived by her children Sally, Jennifer (Bruce) and Peter (Cheryl), grandchildren David, Abbie (Austin), Megan (Mitchell), Eric, John, Peter and Katie and great grandchildren Shane, Brooklyn, Laila, Sophie, Charlotte and Benjamin. She was predeceased by her husband Peter and grandson Brian.

In lieu of flowers donations in Nancy's memory can be made to Clarence Presbyterian Church, 9675 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031 or Light Hill (comfort care home), 5160 Parrish St. Ext., Canandaigua, NY 14424.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held this summer at a date to be announced. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua.