Obituary of Nancy Jane McCurn

Nancy Irving McCurn, daughter of Florence Irving and Dr. Francis Irving, widow of the Hon. Neal P. McCurn, former U.S District Court Judge, passed away at the age of 96 on Monday, November 29.

Nancy graduated from Georgian Court University in 1947 and shortly thereafter married Neal and together they raised their family of five daughters and one son.  She is survived by her children:  Susan Byrne (Michael), Skaneateles, NY; Sharon Eriksson (Mark), Navarino, NY; Carol VanRiper  (Gary), Camden, New York; Penny Stuart, (Mark VanSlyke), Eagle Bay, NY; Mary Pat Cornish (Keith), Marcellus, NY;  Neal, Jr., Syracuse, NY.  Together Neal and Nancy were the beloved grandparents of 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Nancy was very well known and loved by her immediate family members, as well as by a very large extended network that consisted of her siblings, their children and nieces and nephews who all converged annually in the summer months at the family camps on Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks. It was definitely her happy place.

“Nanny,” as she was affectionately referred to by the grandchildren, may have been short in stature, at only a little over 5’ -- especially as viewed next to her husband of over 6’ -- but she had an amazing strength and surprising spirit that was a wonder and a joy to those that knew her well.   Over the years, she could have been seen swinging out over the water in a harness attached to a Hobie Cat sailboat, or dangling 20 feet in the air from a parasail attached to a speeding motorboat.  She and her best friend and sister-in-law, Jane Irving were often known to entertain family members with their much practiced song and pantomime routine

Nancy lived her life completely devoted to family and friends and will be missed by all who knew of her loving ways and strong spirit.  

Her funeral service and burial have been privately held.  

In remembrance of Nancy, donations may be made to Most Holy Rosary School, 1031 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204, or your favorite charity.