LUDLOW - Nancy E. (Hare) Palermo, 70, of Ludlow, was unexpectedly called into the arms of her Savior on Friday, January 13, 2023, while at home. Nancy was born in Springfield on June 18, 1952, the beloved daughter of the late Theodore R. and Cecile M. (Fontaine) Hare. She was raised in Agawam, graduated from the former Cathedral High School in Springfield and had lived in Agawam for many years before moving to Springfield, Wilbraham and most recently Ludlow in 2016. She furthered her education and received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the former North Adams State College. She was employed as a Bank Teller and Loan Processor at local banks and credit unions and later worked as a Special Education Teacher at the former Pioneer Valley Christian School in Springfield. She was most recently employed as a Sales Associate, for 14 years, at the former Macy's Department Store in Springfield. However, her most rewarding job was being a mother. She would always say that “every stage of parenting was her favorite,” because she was fully engaged and enjoyed each new milestone with her girls.
During her leisure time, Nancy enjoyed crafting, spending time with friends and family, playing with her grandchildren, creating an inviting home for others, attending Life Group through church, and investing in her physical health and spiritual growth. Nancy wore her heart on her sleeve; she desired to help others and was always there when you called. She filled the role of ‘counselor’ and ‘best friend’ to many. She would dream of the days when she would have the energy and strength in her arthritic legs to travel more, chase her grandkids around, and give to others more. Those who are mourning the loss of her, are also taking comfort in the promises of the Lord that she now has a new body and is rejoicing in paradise (Luke 23:43). We, who have been blessed by her, will carry on her spirit by loving one another and ceasing every moment before us.
Nancy leaves her husband and best friend, Paul J. Palermo. They were married on September 6, 1980 at Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield. They shared over 42 years of love and loyalty to one another throughout the ups and downs of life. She also leaves her three loving children, Melissa A. Varrecchia and her husband, Ben, of Johnson City, TN, Brianna L. Godbout and her husband, Marc, of Palmer and Christa M. Palermo of Myrtle Beach, SC; her four cherished grandsons, August and Eli Varrecchia and Myles and Logan Godbout; her dear sister-in-law, Amy Hare of Bluffton, SC; her nephew, Andrew Hare and his wife, Elisabeth; and grandnephew, Henry Alan Hare. She also leaves many family members on the Palermo side, including her mother-in-law, Antonia Palermo of Saugus, MA; her three brother-in-law’s, Edward Palermo and Walter of Saugus, David Palermo and his wife, Denise, of Saugus and Jeffrey Palermo and his wife, Cynthia, of Parkland, FL; her sister-in-law, Patty Palermo of Danvers; and a number of nieces and nephews. She would also be sure to include her friends, many of whom she considered family: Denise Dickinson of Worcester, best friend of 65 years, and Lynda Rossi of Monson, sister-like friend. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her treasured brother, Alan Hare; her father-in-law, Paul Palermo Sr., and her brother-in-law, Mark Palermo.
Her family welcomes all those that knew and loved Nancy, at any point in her life, to share their memories in written form, to be mailed to her spouse or daughters, in remembrance and celebration of her life. The Memorial Service will be private. Her Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorial donations in her honor be made for the benefit of her grandchildren’s future and made payable to Berkshire Bank, 431 Center St. Ludlow, MA 01056 (memo: for grandchildren, acct #6232.)
For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com