Nancy K. Roff

Nancy (Katrulya) Roff, 82, of Essex Junction, VT, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 15, 2025. She was born on August 24,1943, in Rhinebeck, NY, daughter of the late John and Jean (Townsend) Katrulya.

Nancy graduated from Red Hook Central School and went on to study at Colby College and Dutchess College-SUNY. She and beloved husband, Charlie Roff, moved from Hyde Park, NY, to Essex Junction, VT, where they bought their home and raised their daughters, Kim and Heather. They later moved to Williston, VT and then built a home on Lake Champlain in Chazy, NY upon retirement. After Charlie's passing, Nancy returned to Essex Junction.

Nancy's career in nursing was marked by dedication and compassion. She began her work as Assistant Head Nurse on the Med-Surgical floor at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY. After moving to Vermont, and while raising her two daughters, she shared her love of music by teaching piano lessons for 11 years and was an active member of the Vermont Music Teachers Guild.

In 1980, Nancy returned to nursing at University Pediatrics in Burlington, continuing her studies to become a Nurse Practitioner and helping to establish the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Specialty with Dr. Richard Colletti at the University of Vermont Medical Center in 1982. She retired from UVMMC in 2007 but continued to work per diem at Thomas Chittenden Health Center in Williston for nine years until her full retirement. Nancy was also a member of the UVMMC Auxiliary Board of Directors.

Faith and community were central to Nancy's life. She was deeply active at St. James Episcopal Church as part of Music Ministry, where she sang in the choir, played the organ and clavinova, and was a member of the bell choir for many years. Her other church ministries included Soulmates, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Co-chair of Community Connections (Outreach), Reception and coffee hour coordinator, Vestry Clerk, and other planning groups.

Beyond her professional and volunteer work, she embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved music, travelling, boating, waterskiing, swimming, tennis, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, pottery, knitting, gardening. Above all, family was always at the heart of her life. She poured her love into raising her children and found immense joy in being both a mother and grandmother. Her children, grandchildren, and beloved grand-dog Nike were her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Roff, in 2020; her parents, John and Jean Katrulya; and her brother Robert Katrulya. She is survived by her loving partner, Ron Belair; her daughters Kim (Jon) Zehnacker and Heather (Chris) Lamson; granddaughters Kiera Zehnacker and Lauren Zehnacker, grandsons Cody (Maureen) Lamson and Dylan Lamson. Extended family and friends include sister-in-law Nancy Katrulya; nieces Jennifer Katrulya and Sarah Katrulya; nephew Michael Krutt; cousin Judy Bennett; Jennifer Belair; Elsa Belair; Elizabeth (Jon) Hatin; Jonathan Hatin; Adam (Leanne) Hatin; Carl Hatin and Emma Hatin.

Nancy's caring spirit, faith, generosity, and love of family will be remembered always.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at A.W. Rich Funeral Home in Essex Junction. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00am at St. James Episcopal Church in Essex Junction, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the music ministry at St James Episcopal Church at 4 St James Pl, Essex Jct., VT 05452 (https://www.stjamesvt.org/) or to the University of Vermont Children's Hospital (The University of Vermont Health Network Inc).