WESTFIELD – Nancy Eileen (Haskins) Lees passed peacefully to her eternal rest at Western Mass Hospital on Mother’s Day after a lifelong struggle with MS. She was born on November 12, 1946 in Adams, MA. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick A. and Edna A. Sakowski Haskins. Nancy resided in Westfield all her married life. She worked for many years at Park West Bank, at Sisters of Providence, Stanley Home Products and later continued working at home, keeping books for local dentists.Nancy had a bright inquisitive mind with a proclivity for numbers and was known as the “word queen” on South Two at WMH. She was a formidable opponent when playing text twist or scrabble and she would complete the “jumble” in a matter of minutes. She was an avid reader, a devoted Red Sox fan, loved scratch tickets, the Kentucky Derby, movie trips, trips to the Big E and Atkins Farm but her main love was family gatherings.
Nancy was a loving, gentle soul with deep faith and love for her Catholic upbringing. She had total love, for God, life and family and accepted all that was sent to her especially the difficult limitations of her illness. She was truly our hero and an amazing example to our entire family.
She leaves her husband Richard of 52 years of Westfield, her son Rob Lees of Southwick, four grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan, Hunter and Teagan, three sisters
Peggy Lis-Barone of Southwick, Jacqueline Engel (Michael) of Ludlow and Ginger Canton (David) of West Hatfield, her godson and nephew Wayne Lis,
her nephews Bill Lis (Darla),Christopher Canton, Nicholas Canton, great nephew Joshua Lis, nieces, Emily Engel, Sara Engel, Caitlin Egleson and great nieces Penny Egleson Engel and Amanda Lis. She also leaves her beloved “best” friend Judy Wells and her “adopted” kid sister Bonnie Framarin and her former daughter-in-law Theresa Sullivan.
Nancy was a resident of Western Mass. Hospital for twenty-three years and thus began another family. She cared deeply for her mutual residents and caregivers at WMH on South Two which became a familiar place to all of us. We cannot thank them enough for their exceptional care of our beloved sister. Dance with the angels Nancy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Avalon Funeral and Cremation Services, 691 College Hwy, Southwick Ma are assisting the family with arrangements. To express condolences or to share memories please visit Nancy’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
