Nancy Shay Kennedy

Nancy slipped gently into the arms of the Lord on Thursday morning, November 17, after her battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on July 26, 1946, in Olean, NY, the first child of Lyone “Buckie” Shay and Madeline “Mickey” Shay, both WW2 Navy veterans.

Nancy Carol Shay grew up in the Village of Allegany, NY, and attended Allegany Central School from elementary through high school. She graduated from Brockport State University with a degree in early childhood education on June 1, 1968, and married Army Second Lieutenant Frederick J Kennedy on June 8, 1968.

She and Fred lived the Army life for more than twenty years. Wherever Fred was stationed, Nancy found a teaching position. Throughout her life former students would seek her out to tell how she had influenced their lives. Her smile and positive personality brightened her classroom. It also endeared her to all who knew her.

Their first child, Matthew, was born September 5, 1971, at Fort Devens, MA. Their second child, Christopher, was born in Columbus, GA, on March 10, 1975. They were the joy of her life. 

Nancy was a loving wife, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She is predeceased by her parents, and brother David “John” Shay (Janie).

Nancy never had a negative word to say about anyone, and was quick to defend anyone against criticism, with a positive comment. That was her nature.

She is survived by her husband, Fred; sons Matthew Francis Kennedy and Christopher Shay Kennedy (Carrie); brother Richard Shay (Ann); sister Toni Stewart (Leroy); granddaughters Astrid, Catherine, Akeyla, and Lauren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Her memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 30, 200 in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd. at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends an hour prior. Funeral, and burial services, to be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name, may be made to the Roper Hospice Cottage, 676 Wando Park Boulevard, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.