Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67

Lyndonville, NY - Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67, died in her home in Lyndonville, NY from bile duct cancer on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years,Michael Mingus, daughters Marissa and Paige, grandchildren Xavier Enrique Mendoza and Adalind Rose Aponte, sisters Linda Scheuer and Jan McDonald and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Nancy was born in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Schalmont HS ’74. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education from SUNY Oneonta ’77, a Masters in Education from Alfred University ’82, a Masters in Historic Preservation from Goucher College ’01, and she was ABD in the American History doctoral program at SUNY Buffalo.

After several decades of working in corporate computing and training, Nancy started her own company, Mingus Associates, Inc. through which she designed and delivered courses and materials and taught thousands of students all over the world both in a variety of instructional settings and online. She also taught and administered programs at several colleges and universities including Alfred, Buffalo, Cornell, DeVry, Empire State, Pace, and Phoenix.

Nancy was a freelance writer and editor, authoring five books, more than forty articles in national publications, and video scripts and workbooks for computer courses. She also published on topics ranging from ballooning to the Erie Canal. She was a frequent contributor to the western NY magazine Buffalo Spree, for example, Jeddo Mills,” published on Sept 10, 2021, and (“Preservation/ A Carpenter Gothic Rarity,” Nov. 30, 2020), where she described one of her own projects that combined her loves of historic preservation, antiquing and creative design. In 2005, Nancy purchased a home in Knowlesville, NY that was badly in need of preservation. The home became her corporate office and her key preservation project, as well as a location that allowed her to purchase and showcase her continually growing collection of antiques.

Nancy served on the Amherst Historic Preservation Commission for eight years and as its Chair for three. She was an experienced project manager, active in local and national project management organizations and frequently spoke at international training and computer conferences.

Nancy loved gardening, old buildings, antiquing, photography, gaming, writing, reading and watching mysteries, creative projects with family, and spending time with her grandkids. She valued her time with extended family and made sure we all gathered at various times during the year.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 7th at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St, Medina, NY 14103. A memorial service will be held beginning at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

10 comments:

  1. Mike, Marissa, and Paige - Sincerest condolences. Nancy was a bright light who enlivened every conversation, whether talking about Star Trek and Roddenberry, birds at the cottage, POSH, or any other subject. She will be missed by all who knew her, but the memories of her will stay with us always. (Commenting under the name she always called me by.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you "Crit." Indeed. Her light will be missed even as she lives on in our memories. Her legacy lives on with us. Grateful for your friendship with her, she always had the best stories to tell about you.

      Delete
  2. I was a beneficiary of Nancy's teaching ability. I took the PMI training course offered by the club of same name to pass my certification in 2003. She was a delight at meetings as she shared her project experience and passions. So sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. It's lovely to hear from her students. She truly enjoyed teaching, and was facilitating classes up to the very end. Grateful you go to experience her in meetings as well. Her passion will be missed.

      Delete
  3. Mike, no words can ease the sadness you and your family are experiencing at this moment. I can assure i and my family have fond memories of Nancy, I want you to know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

    Kindest Regards and much Love!
    Randy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Randy. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Keep those memories of her alive for us! Hope you and the family are doing well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nancy was by far one of the brightest and kindest persons I have ever met. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mike and Family so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. We grew up less than a mile apart. Went to church and school together and had many a girlscout outing together. We knew each other for 20 years or so before loosing touch. Again so sorry for your loss! Denise( Muselbeck) Waldron

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry to hear about Nancy. She was one of the hardest working women I knew; her accomplishments were mind boggling. And one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. Paige, I will be out of town and unfortunately be unable to make the service, but the "PMI Ladies" will be sending a contribution to Hospice as suggested. Give your dad a huge hug for me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a loss, your mom was such a spark of energy, so smart and dedicated to family and work (though any remote work must have been hard with teenage kids and friends coming ,in and out of the house!). I have so many good memories of her visiting your cottage and of her with Marissa and Paige and your dad. She loved you all so much. Thinking of you and hoping for good memories of her to prevail over sadness and peace to follow. 💕

    ReplyDelete