DUDLEY - Nancy Jean (Stenvall) Abysalh, age 76, peacefully passed on Thursday October 24, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 29, 1947 in Gardner, she was the beloved daughter of Olavi and Statia (Dumanoski) Stenvall and was a graduate of Gardner High School. She went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from UMass Amherst. Nancy eventually settled in Dudley, MA and her passion for helping others inspired her to spend her life working as a devoted nurse. She began her career as an RN instructor at Memorial Hospital in Worcester. Throughout her career she held many nursing positions in the oncology and psychiatric departments of several hospitals, including Harrington Memorial Hospital. She finished her career as a school nurse for the Webster and Dudley elementary schools.
Nancy had a knack for making anyone she met feel special, and her generosity was unmatched. Her heart was as big as her smile, and her constantly cheery attitude and laugh were infectious! “Fancy Nancy,” as she was known by her students, lit up a room. She was the epitome of kindness and that showed in everything that she did and all the lives that she touched.
Nancy leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years, George C. Abysalh: they were lifelong loves and partners and raised a beautiful family together, full of love, adventures, and endless memories. Nancy is survived by her two cherished sons, Jason G. Abysalh and his wife Kristen of Chelsea, VT and Jonathan C. Abysalh and his wife Kristina of Bolton, MA. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter Gina Marie Abysalh-Brassard, by her sister Elaine Paquette and by her brother-in-law Joseph J. Romano. Nancy was affectionately known as “Mimi” to her five granddaughters, Emma, Zoe, Molly, Nadia, and Haven: they were the light of her life, and nothing gave her more joy than being their Mimi. She will be dearly missed by her sister Sally J. Geanis and husband Peter, sister-in-law Janice L. Romano and countless other family members and friends.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Road (please meet at church). Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the church, prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made either to the Auburn Lodge of Elks, 754b Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA 01501 or to the VNA, 368 School Street, Webster, MA 01570. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.