Obituary of Nancy R. McFadden

Nancy McFadden, 85, of Owego, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2015, at the Willow Point Nursing Home where she resided with her husband, Fred. Nancy was predeceased by her son, Stephen McFadden; a sister, Joan Marie McGrath; her parents, James and Josephine McGrath, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Fred McFadden; six children and their spouses, James and Norma McFadden, of Owego, Ann and Kevin Harrang, of Kirkland, Washington, Mary McFadden, of Owego, John and Sharon McFadden, of Owego, Kathleen and Peter Spratt ,of Yakima, Washington, and Patrice McFadden, of Schenectady; her grandchildren, Malena and Owen Harrang, Marley and Devon McFadden, Thomas and Joseph Spratt, and Cooper McFadden; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Fran and Paul Egan of Matawan, New Jersey; many nieces and nephews. The first of her family to attend college, she received a music scholarship to Misericordia College in Dallas, Pa., majoring in music education. She taught music for a few years before marrying Fred in 1955. Fred’s work took her to South Bend, Indiana and Wappinger Falls, NY before settling in Owego in 1964. She was an accomplished soprano as well as pianist and shared her love of music with her students, her children and with Saint Patrick’s Church choir for many years. Throughout her life, Nancy was an enthusiastic participant in her family’s sporting events, 4H leader, recitals, plays, and graduations. With Fred, she volunteered for the meals on wheels program driving throughout the county. Having met JFK in 1960, she was active in many Democratic Party events and had a lifelong love of politics and encouraged heated debates at the dinner table. Nancy had a generous spirit and was eager to have friends stop by to chat. She had a strong faith which helped her in many situations and gave her strength and stamina to weather difficult times, including the death her son Stephen to muscular dystrophy. Mom, your nurturing spirit and love of family shall live on. The family would like to thank all the wonderful care providers at both the Willow Point nursing home and the dementia unit at Castle Gardens these past few years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church, 300 Main St. in Owego. The family will receive friends Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe and Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St. Owego, NY. Condolences may be made to Nancy’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to support the Tioga County Rural Ministry. And please, never be afraid to sing!