Obituary of Nancy Relyea
ALBANY -
Nancy Jane Niebuhr Relyea was born on October 20, 1940, in Springfield, N.J., to the late Kenneth Donald Niebuhr and Elizabeth Theresa Thomas Niebuhr. She was the youngest of four daughters: the late Elizabeth Meta Richter, the late Janice Hope Avery, and Jacquelyn Theresa Schlappi.
Nancy grew up in N.J., and later in Philadelphia, N.Y., after her family relocated. She began her working career in insurance. After marrying in 1964, she and her husband settled in N.J., and in 1970, they welcomed the birth of their daughter. In 1977, they relocated (back) to N.Y., in the Albany area, to be closer to family. Nancy was a very active congregant of the Slingerlands United Methodist Church, in addition to being a devoted and supportive mother and wife, and she took immense pride in maintaining the family home, inside and out, including gardening and landscaping. She had a lifelong love of dogs and was fortunate to share her life with many, to include a 30-year span with seven amazing Labradors, plus some fosters from time to time. She did both obedience work and therapy work with the Labs, which brought her great joy.
She is survived by her husband, Robert C. Relyea; and daughter, Catherine Elise Relyea; in addition to her nephews, Kenneth Avery and wife, Lynette, and Scott Avery and wife, Chris. She leaves behind a large, chosen family of loving and supportive friends, including, Erika Somers, Gina Cataldo, Connie Stephano, Geri Curtin, Chris Raab and the late Nina Raab, all of whose caring, kindness, friendship, love and helpfulness over the years have been extraordinary.
There will be no calling hours or services. Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
For those who wish, donations can be made to either of the following, both of which held a very special place in her heart: Friends of Dog Mountain, 143 Parks Road, St. Johnsbury, Vt. 05819 https://www.dogmt.com or to the animals of war-torn Ukraine: https://theanimalrescuesite.com/products/build-a-safe-space-for-orphaned-pets-in-ukraine-fundraiser-gtgm?variant=40356853055563
The family wishes to thank the Eddy VNA, for their kind and compassionate care, and special thanks to Ashanti Lewis, RN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Relyea Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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