Skip to content Skip to footer

Obituary Notice – Nancy Ann Eberz (Updated)

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

EberzNDUNKIRK:  Nancy Ann Eberz, 74, of Crooked Brook Drive Dunkirk, joined her Lord on Wednesday, December 13th, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, in Brooks Memorial Hospital, when she lost her valiant battle with ovarian cancer.

Nancy was the daughter of the late Peter J and Ruth (Lockwood) Eberz, born in New York City on March 16, 1943, where her father was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  Nancy spent her childhood in Buffalo as the eldest of her siblings, all of whom survive her.

Two sisters, Mary (Chris) Eberz Brass, of Williamsville; Katherine (Thomas) Eberz Monks, of Fairport, NY, three brothers, Peter (Joanne) Eberz, of Michigan; Kevin (Nora) Eberz, of Tonawanda; Robert (Patricia) Eberz.  She is further survived by 17 devoted nieces & nephews along with 17 great nieces & nephews.

A 1960 graduate of Mt. St. Joseph’s Academy, she entered the convent of the Sister of St. Joseph of Buffalo, at age 17.  Nancy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Medaille College and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Buffalo.  She loved Buffalo and loved teaching for many years in the inner city for the Sisters of St. Joseph.  When the Diocese of Buffalo closed the convent, Sister Nancy, who was a Superior at the time, answered a new calling as a public school teacher, beginning in Lackawanna.  She ultimately retired in 1998 from the Grand Island Public Schools, where she had served as Crisis Counselor.

The founding mission in 1854, when the Sisters of St. Joseph came to the United States, was to operate Catholic Schools within local parishes and to establish education and service for what was termed at the time “deaf mute” children.  With her religious background and education, combined with her natural caring, Nancy was drawn to helping children and families, serving through the Family Courts, where she provided crisis counseling for children and families, along with service to special needs children and their families.

Upon retirement, Nancy and her beloved friend, Gileen French, who also survives her, moved to their lakefront home on Lake Erie, where she savored the magnificent sunsets and the everchanging lake.  Nancy also enjoyed many winters in Port Royale, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with Gileen and a myriad of friends.

Known for her gracious entertaining, the fresh flowers in abundance in their homes along with wide-ranging interests and friends, Nancy continued to serve the community as a member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation; and as a stalwart and vibrant supporter of St. Columban’s on the Lake, especially through her work with the annual festival.  She also remained fully engaged with the education focused sorority, The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa.

With abiding faith and goodness of heart, Nancy was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Dunkirk.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 o’clock on Saturday, January 6th, 2018, on Epiphany, The Feast of Three Kings, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 328 Washington Avenue, Dunkirk, with Father Dennis Riter officiating.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Sheridan Center Cemetery, Town of Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Sister’s of St. Joseph’s, 4975 Strickler Road Clarence, NY 14031, to BuffaloSSJ.org or to The Gileen French and Nancy Eberz Second Chance Scholarship at the Fredonia College Foundation, 272 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY 14063.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.  To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com

4 Comments

  • Marguerite Battaglia
    Posted January 1, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    Nancy was my sidekick at the College Learning Lab where we taught together. She was a neighbor at Embassy Square where we ate, drank and were merry. She brought calm into my life during tumultuous times. Her presence radiated peace.I’d hurry her along only to be slowed down with her words of wisdom. Nancy was a quite and humble force. Such a good woman who will be missed by many.

    With appreciaton for our friendship,
    Marguerite

  • Barbara Moll Bazulka
    Posted January 4, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    So sorry to hear of Nancy passing have been remembering all the good times at Sunset Bay.

    • Barbara Moll Bazulka
      Posted January 5, 2018 at 4:43 am

      Sorry I am unable to make the funeral do to health issues

  • Sandra Piazza Holland
    Posted January 5, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    To the Eberz Family….. My deepest condolences on Nancy’s death. We met at MSJA and followed the same course for many years….convent ,teaching.. Always remember fun times, your parents, cottage, get togethers. My thoughts with you on Sat./I am in full flu mod!

    Sincerely,
    Sandra Piazza Holland

Leave a comment


five − = 1