Nancy (Wheeler) Meunier

Nancy Meunier passed away July 1st, 2022, following a strong and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  She passed peacefully at her home, with family by her side.  Nancy will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a kind and gentle “octopus” and educator to many children, and a spontaneous free-spirit to anybody lucky enough to have known her.

Born on New Year’s Eve in 1953 in Pittsfield, MA, Nancy was a graduate of Lee High School and Berkshire Community College after which she spent 11 years as Office Manager for Dr. George Porter.

Nancy spent 27 years at The Growing Place in Syracuse, NY where she wore many hats; she simultaneously occupied the roles of Financial Manager, Preschool Teacher and Assistant Director. A Child Care Provider Award recipient and Child Development Associate, Nancy was a member of the Child Care Council of Onondaga County/Child Care Solutions Task Force on Biting and the Toilet Learning Task Force, where she contributed to multiple child care resource books.  At The Growing Place, Nancy passionately implemented STEAM, literacy, and fine/gross motor activities in her indoor and outdoor lesson plans and weekly themes. She was equally passionate about fostering children’s social-emotional development, knowing that a child's self-confidence, emotional regulation, sense of empathy, and the ability to develop positive relationships are an integral part of developmental growth. She loved seeing the children in her care blossom. 

Nancy’s vibrant nature permeated her soul and was infectious to those around her; it was undeterred by her cancer diagnosis and remained steadfast. She spent her time noticing and appreciating the little things in life, disconnecting from the daily grind and inspiring those around her to do the same.    

Throughout 2021, alongside her loving companions and dedicated caregivers Jeff and Sarah, Nancy visited Dewey Beach, DE twice, Portland and Old Orchard Beach, ME, the highlights of New York City, Lake Placid and Lake George, NY, Mystic and Essex, CT, Lee, MA, Newport, RI, Ocean City, MD, Mount Washington, NH, and Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL. On their final journey together, Nancy celebrated her 68th birthday exactly one year from her cancer diagnosis by bringing in the New Year on Duval Street in Key West, FL.  

Between cancer treatments in Albany and all of her travels, Nancy regularly made the trip to her home in Liverpool, NY where she enjoyed spending time with her son Keith, his partner Julia Richey, grandson Owen, and feline friend, Bailey. Ever a creative spirit, Nancy was a talented artist who took pride in painting and completing various projects in the comfort of her home— which was also very therapeutic for her.

Nancy is survived by her devoted parents Carol and Arthur Wheeler of Lee, MA, loving siblings, Art (Maggie) Wheeler of North East, PA and MaryJane (John) Hopkins of Lee, MA,  former husband, John Meunier of Liverpool, NY, two children, Sarah (Jeff) Drazek of Albany and Keith (Julia Richey) Meunier of Liverpool, grandson Owen, her cat Bailey, three grand-kitties, the hundreds of children and families she positively impacted over the last 27 years, and so many other loving friends and relatives. 

Nancy left us with positive lessons, words of wisdom, memories shared and strong examples of how best to live. Those she left behind hope to carry on living every day like she did.

A private memorial service was held at Berkshire Hills Baptist Church, Lee, MA.  A celebration of life will be held at May Memorial, 3800 E Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214 on Saturday, August 27th from 12 PM until 4 PM.  In lieu of flowers please do a kind deed for someone else in Nancy’s honor. Donations may also be made in memory of Nancy Meunier to The Growing Place, 3800 E Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214 or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center- giving.mskcc.org. 

We love you mom/Nan/“FAB.”

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