Nancy C. Gauthier, 1940 - 2023

It is with sad hearts and warm memories that we announce the passing of an amazing woman. After a brief illness, Nancy Gauthier of Chicopee went to join her beloved husband Roger on Friday April 7th with her loving family by her side. Nancy was born in Holyoke, MA to the late Joseph Smolen and Lillian (Bienvenue) Smolen Phaneuf. Nancy was also predeceased by her dear step-father Paul "Peppy" Phaneuf, a well-known boxer at the Valley Arena. She attended Holyoke High School and enjoyed her early years in South Holyoke where she met the love of her life and best friend, Roger Gauthier. They were married for 57 years before Roger's passing in 2015. Nancy and Roger raised their family in Chicopee. Nancy worked for many years at Spalding Sports Worldwide and she retired from the Human Resources Department in 1999 after 30 years at the company.

Together, Nancy and Roger lived a full life and spent many winters soaking up the sun and enjoying their many friends in Englewood, Florida. They enjoyed boating, bicycling, walking, traveling and keeping active. Nancy enjoyed listening to music and never passed up an opportunity to dance. In her later years, Nancy made a new home at The Arbors in Chicopee where she enjoyed socializing with the new friends she made. Nancy had a joyful personality,  and if anyone were to ask her how she was feeling, she'd always smile and say, "I'm happy!".

Nancy is survived by her loving children, Debra (Gauthier) Marcotte and her husband Paul of Chicopee, her son Gary Gauthier and his wife Machel of Hebron, CT, her half-sister Audrey Smolen and her step mother Rosa Smolen of South Hadley. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Katelyn (Marcotte) Joly and husband James, Kristen (Marcotte) Grigas and husband Jason, and Ryan and Joshua Gauthier. Nancy was also Gigi to her great grandchildren, Evelyn and Audrey Joly. Nancy also leaves many relatives, special friends and neighbors to cherish her memory.

Burial will be at the convenience of her family. Our mother would want you to remember her with a smile. If you desire, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Shriners Hospital. The O'Brien Family Funeral Home of South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.