Nancy J. Alongi, born August 26, 1958, passed away on November 30th after a multi-year battle with cancer. She was beloved by many and is survived by her husband of 45 years, Joseph; her son, Michael; her sister Lori (and husband Al); as well as her nephew and niece, Matthew and Jenna. She is predeceased by her parents, Rose Ann and Jim.
As a teenager, Nancy worked at the Northside Inn in East Rochester, where she met her husband Joe while he was volunteering for a youth football fundraiser. He was stuck in the kitchen washing dishes while Nancy was tasked with clearing the tables. They were married in front of friends and family on April 21, 1979, at St. Jerome’s Church—a date they would both cherish for years to come.
In 1987, they welcomed their son, Michael, from Korea, and she became a fiercely loving, protective, and supportive mother. She would occasionally spoil her son, such as when she would carry his saxophone a mile to music lessons while he was in fourth grade because “[his] arms hurt.”
For many years, Nancy operated a daycare out of her home in East Rochester. “Nana” (nah-nah), as she was known by the kids, always wanted them to know they were cared for and loved. Many times, she started caring for them as infants until they were able to make it to and from school on their own. Seeing the kids grow into adults became one of her happiest moments.
Nancy loved to try new foods and had recently warmed up to falafel and Middle Eastern fare at the urging of her son, although trying sushi was a bridge too far. For years, she worked to perfect the shortbread recipe passed down by her grandmother, Jeanie, a Scottish immigrant. It became a running joke that she would never make it quite as good as her grandmother’s (though everyone else would disagree).
On the morning of November 30, 2024, Nancy passed away peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Her passing will be grieved profoundly by those who knew and loved her, but the lasting memories and her sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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