Obituary of Anne Marie Gaffney

Anne Marie "Nancy" Gaffney, 91, died peacefully with her family by her side on July 26, 2021. Born on October 22, 1929 to Charles and Josephine O'Connor, Nancy was a graduate of the Convent School, Syracuse University, and Indiana University at Bloomington, IN. After marrying the love of her life, Paul L. Gaffney, Nancy settled in Baldwinsville to raise her family and pursue her career.

For 25 years Nancy worked as a Home and Careers teacher in the Baldwinsville School District. After retiring, she continued to share her warmth, kind smile, and generous nature with residents of Vera House North. In 2001 she received the Sr. Mary Vera Award to acknowledge her extraordinary volunteer efforts.

Nancy was a creative and talented person who enjoyed sewing, quilting, and knitting. She looked forward each year to serving as a judge for the State Fair 4H sewing and baking competitions. She also shared her husband's passion for the Boston Red Sox and for 19 years worked as an usher for the team during spring training.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, and her brothers Carroll "Chuck" and Richard O'Connor.

If asked, Nancy would inevitably say that her greatest accomplishment and joy was her family. In addition to Paul, her husband of 64 years , Nancy is survived by four daughters, Anne (John) Sierotnik, Sheila (Kevin) McGann, Marie (James) Canfield, and Michelle "Missy" (Michael) DeGennaro; three sons, Paul, Joseph (Mary), and Daniel (Sharon); eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Teresa Riccardi, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Mickey.

There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville, NY on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 10:00 am, with burial to follow at St. Mary's cemetery in Dewitt, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vera House, 723 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203.