Nancy Snell Stoker, 88, of Cazenovia, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Nancy was born Jan. 5, 1934, in Munnsville, the youngest of 14 children to Frederick and Emma Snell. She was a graduate of Stockbridge Valley Central School where she was a cheerleader and continued that role for her children and grandchildren. On Oct. 4, 1952, Nancy married Henry “Hank” Stoker of Fenner and together they worked as a team to make the dairy farm prosperous. Hank was overcome by cancer at a young age which left Nancy a widow at 52. Following her husband’s death, she was elected to the Fenner Town Board setting a precedent as the first female board member. Nancy was the rock on which her family was built as she taught her family how to live a life of faith, kindness, love and hope. She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she loved babies.
Nancy began sewing at the age of 12 and taught sewing at the Singer Sewing Machine store in Oneida for the first two years of her marriage. She continued her sewing skills as a leader and field staff employee of Cooperative Extension.
She was a communicant of St. James Church where she was a member of their Choir, the Parish Council, an organizer of their Harvest Dinners, and spearheaded the annual tradition of Veteran’s Dinners.
Nancy considered herself a better baker than a cook but managed to please everyone who came to dinner at the Stoker Homestead, her family-style restaurant on the Stoker farm. She loved to bake and was known for her bread and cream puffs.
As a nurturer, Nancy took in children from New York City, Ireland and visitors from Italy and Finland were all welcomed. They continued to correspond with her for many years.
The last five months were Mom’s final gift to us. As a woman who was always on the move, she was now confined to a chair watching the world go by, which was difficult. She did it with grace and was always appreciative of any small act of kindness anyone did for her. We all had the opportunity to laugh, tell stories and hear her wisdom one last time. We love you Mom and know you and Dad are dancing with the angels.
Nancy is survived by her children, Lou Ann Turner of Manlius, Hank (Mary) Stoker, John (Jennifer) Stoker, Peter Stoker and Joan Stoker all of Cazenovia; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Hank Stoker; eight brothers and two sisters.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 in St. James Church, Cazenovia. There are no calling hours. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the mass. Contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to St. James Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia, NY 13035. Condolences for the Stoker family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
