Nancy Holland of Cazenovia quietly passed away in the early afternoon on May 29, 2020 due to heart failure.  She was born on Aug. 12, 1938. Before moving to the village, she spent much of her youth living in Syracuse. After graduating from high school (SJCA) and LeMoyne College, Nancy earned her master’s degree from SUNY Oswego.

When she married James Holland in 1964, the new couple moved to the town that they would come to love. She would be there until her last day 56 years later.

Nancy taught elementary children for the Cazenovia Central School District for over 30 years.  In the mid 1980s she was honored by her district and colleagues to be chosen Teacher of the Year. Nancy introduced multiple generations of the town’s youth to her vast array of talents by utilizing them in the lessons she created. Many adults also learned by interacting with her classes and listening to her students. Additionally, many gained by observing her lifestyle and engaging as colleagues or customers in some of her varied business activities.

After retiring from teaching, she became a successful real estate agent, working for Longley Jones for several years.  Her love of art, cooking, reading, music, sewing, knitting, gardening, history, antiques and, above all, continuous learning, inspired others and revealed a keen and expansive intellect. Throughout her time with us, she freely donated her energy, skills, and resources to the area’s people and many cultural treasures, such as the Stone Quarry Art Park, Lorenzo House and the Cazenovia Library.

Nancy’s intense love of family was easily transferred to many of her fellow congregants at St. James Catholic Church. When the bishop sent a new pastor, Father Casey, to the parish, he smiled when he noticed Nancy at Sunday services. She had been a former student of his when he taught at St. John’s Catholic Academy. Later, when Father Kevin Corcoran came to the parish to assist Father Casey, he soon became a favored guide to her spiritual needs.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, a nephew, grandniece, James Holland, and many other relatives and friends.  She leaves four siblings Joan, Carol, Edward, and Robert. All were able to enjoy many treasured moments she shared with them during her life.

Unable to have children of her own, Aunt Nancy showered her several nieces and nephews with many unique gifts and experiences. All remaining 17 can agree that to have had a gourmet meal prepared with herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables from her gardens was an elegant treat.  At her home they would learn about art, antiques and history by immersion. Perhaps they would have a subtle interactive biology or etymology lesson in the park-like setting behind her house. She might take some to one of the areas’ many intellect-building attractions. Maybe some of the lucky ones might just be taken for a swim or fireworks display at the village’s beautiful beach.  A stop for ice cream was not uncommon.

Nancy knew how to attract many beautiful creatures to her orbit. She especially liked butterflies and cats. They helped fill her soul with an awe of God’s endless gifts to mankind. A flag hung in her garden that reminded all to enjoy the little things life offers.

When she left us, Tara, her nurse for a number of years, and kitty Jake, the “barefoot boy with cheeks of tan,” were with Nancy.  Her close neighbors, Dave and Dee Cox, have continued helping Nancy by assisting her family dealing with the loss.  When sharing condolence, a dear friend of Nancy’s brother, having recently lost her husband of 69 years, told him, “No matter how long a loved one is with you, it is never long enough.”

Burial and a memorial service will be held in mid-August. Father Corcoran will lead the ceremony.  Due to Covid19 restrictions and concerns for safety, only a small number of Nancy’s large-extended family will be attending. Nancy had an extensive number of friends, former colleagues, students, neighbors and relatives that were dear to her. Such a limited gathering to say “so long” to such an immense and giving spirit is difficult to accept.

It is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations made in Nancy’s memory be directed to one of her favored organizations. St. James Catholic Church, Lorenzo House, the Stone Quarry Art Park, or the Cazenovia Library were an important part of her adopted home, the people and institutions of Cazenovia. To leave a message of sympathy for Nancy’s family, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.