Shelter Island Reporter obituary: Nancy M. Hunkele Hutchings
Nancy M. Hunkele Hutchings passed away at her home in Plum, Penn., surrounded by family and loved ones after a long illness.
Nancy grew up on Long Island and summered on Shelter Island as the third of five children born to Adrian Hunkele and Kathleen Jane Madison Hunkele. She eventually made her home in Pennsylvania, where she and David raised their family in Butler and Plum, while maintaining her connection to her Island roots.
Nancy was the beloved wife of the late David Kent Hutchings. She is survived by their daughters, Roslyn Hutchings and Elizabeth (Lilly) Hutchings Malardie and her husband, Joseph Malardie. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Hunkele Schardin and her husband, Steve Schardin; her brother, Brian Hunkele and his wife, Karen Von Hagel Hunkele; her sister-in-law, Gabriella Hutchings; and her brother-in-law, Donald Hutchings and his wife, Mary Hutchings. She will also be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Adrian Hunkele and Gerard Hunkele, and her sister-in-law, Helen Hutchings.
Nancy first worked as a cook at the Harvest House Restaurant and later spent sixteen years as a nursing assistant at Daleview Nursing Home. She then dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her family.
Nancy was known for her joyful laughter, especially when playing with her beloved grandchildren, Liam and Molly Malardie. She will also be remembered for her affection for animals, her unique sense of humor, and her talent for spotting a good bargain and finding the best thrift shops.
Her family remembers her as a valiant and brave woman whose faith in God upheld her through difficult times. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Penn Hills Alliance Church.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church on Shelter Island, followed by burial at the church cemetery.
