Mrs. Nancy L. Spetts

UTICA - Mrs. Nancy L. Spetts was reunited with her beloved husband and parents when she passed away in the comfort and dignity of her home on her 98th birthday, Sunday, November 12, 2023. Born in Utica on November 12, 1925, to the late Frank L. and Theresa (Ciarelli) Lawrence, she attended local area schools, and was a 1944 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She subsequently went on to graduate from the Chicago School of Interior Design. As a young woman, Nancy held a position at Baron’s Jewelers while waiting for Carmen to return from the war. On September 20,1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Mr. Carmen R. Spetts, with whom she shared 49 years prior to his passing on July 12, 1997. Together in 1959 they established Charm Kitchens by Spetts. Nancy was intelligent, energetic, conscientious, and dedicated to high standards, both personal and professional. As with their marriage, they complimented each other well in their business with her expertise as an interior decorator and his as a Certified Kitchen Designer. True entrepreneurs, they successfully earned their place in the business community for 45 years. She and Carmen made many beautiful memories traveling the world together with their Wood-Mode family of dealers. Nancy kept up with her high school sorority, Epsilon Tau Phi, and looked forward to their monthly gatherings. She was an active member of the Utica Lions Auxiliary Club holding the position of president from 1969-1970. She was also a member of the Professional Women’s Club, the Catholic Women’s Club, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Anyone who met her marveled at her charm and grace. She was an excellent blackjack player and loved going to the casino. In her younger years, Nancy enjoyed singing and dancing and reveled in the joy of performing with the Mickey Mouse Club. Nancy had an undying devotion to her family and those she loved. She would put them before herself every time and always made sure their needs were met. A lifelong Catholic, she attended the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where she was a Eucharistic minster, a lector, and a vital part of the church ministries. Nancy attributed her longevity to her genetics (the Lawrence family), her faith, her wonderful marriage, and a happy, full life. Nancy is survived by her daughters, Nancy T. Spetts, with whom she shared a home and who took care of her, and Deborah Spetts-Jones and her husband Richard M. Jones; her adored granddaughters, Lindsey Lawrence Jones, and Jillian Therese Jones; her brother, John P. Lawrence and Larry Lunt; her sister-in-law, Connie Mott; brother-in-law, Anthony Mazzei; her nieces and nephews, especially Tony and Mary Citrinite, Nina Orsomarso and Francesca Orsomarso; and cousins, especially Phyliss Gentile. She shared a special relationship with Brigitte Holmes, Kathy Vogel, and especially Genevieve Tahan, whom she loved as a daughter. She was preceded by her in-laws, Anne and Guy Citrinite, Salvatore and Mae Spetts, Sam A. Mott, and Rosalinda Mazzei. The family wants to thank Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (COCVAC) for their excellent assistance and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for their compassion and dedication to her comfort in her final days. The family will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nancy’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor may be made to Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus online at www.motherofoursavior.org; Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps online at www.cocvac.org/donate; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mrs. Nancy L. Spetts

November 12, 1925 - November 12, 2023