Obituary of Nancy Lee Uzar

Nancy Lee (Gaither) Uzar, age 84, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at home on December 17th, 2023 in West Springfield, MA.

Nancy was born in San Rafael, CA in 1939 to Kenneth Gaither and Lucille (Drake) Gaither. Nancy was raised in Northern California and after meeting her husband-to-be Stanley, they lived in Louisiana, Northern California, and finally settling in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Together with her husband of 53 years, they raised three boys — Steven, Ralph, and Kendall. Nancy worked in various retail positions throughout her life with her longest tenure being a Deli Manager with Big Y Foods.

Nancy showed no fear when taking on a challenge; from hosting holiday parties for her family; to doing any and every project around the house and garden; to trekking across the country many, many times to-and-from California to Massachusetts — even once driving a Ford Pinto pulling a trailer. She loved cooking and trying new recipes. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed historical novels. Nancy was a big fan of yard sales always hunting for an unknown treasure that she didn’t know she just had to have. Mom had a soft spot in her heart for all animals and cared for many dogs and cats over the years. More than anything else, Nancy cherished family gatherings and spending time with the many generations of her family.

Survived by her three sons and their families: Steven and Kathy of Feeding Hills, MA, Ralph and Veronica of Amherst, NH, and Kendall and Krista of Bloomfield, CT. Her five grandchildren and their families: Ian of Orlando, FL, Michael and Kimmy of Feeding Hills, MA, Emily and Chris of Candia, NH, Molly and Nate of San Diego, CA, and Maddison and Sean of Feeding Hills, MA. Her seven great grandchildren: Grayson, Calvin, Mackenzie, Ainsley, Maxwell, Cameron, and Brynn. Her siblings: Gerry and husband Joe Lopus, Julie Nelson, and Arnold Souza and in-laws, Terry (Loftus) Gaither, Charles Garrison. She is predeceased by her husband Stanley, and siblings: Carol, Donald, Peggy, and John.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 27th from 4:00-6:00pm followed by a service at Beers & Story Funeral Home, South Hadley. A committal ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam will be held on Thursday, December 28th at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dakin Humane Society of Springfield, MA.