Nancy Ann Lazar of Sag Harbor died on August 14 of cancer. She was 57.
Born on May 18, 1957, in Queens to Joseph and Ann Szukalewicz, both of whom predeceased her, she was a graphic designer.
For four years, Ms. Lazar battled cancer and taught many others how to fight the battle with grace. Survivors describe her as equally tough and warm-hearted. In the midst of her battle, her children tried to convince her to write a book titled “Top 10 Ways To Look Hot While You Have Cancer” to chronicle her “recipe for success,” which included getting your hair done, dressing fashionably, walking three miles every day, getting regular pedicures, going to China “just because you want to,” dancing on New Year’s, spending Thursday nights on the beach with friends and waking up every morning and saying to yourself in the mirror, “You’re beautiful. I love you.”
Survivors said Ms. Lazar was notorious for starting food fights, waking people up early on their birthdays, staying up late to watch thunderstorms, and jumping out of closets to scare people. She was a dedicated gardener who loved to spend hours in the sun tending her vegetables, which she used to prepare huge and delicious meals.
Through her career as a graphic designer and through the way she lived, she taught many young women, including her daughters, how to live and work with unwavering self-confidence and an understanding of self-worth, survivors said.
She is survived by her husband, Peter; two daughters, Jen Lazar and husband Daniel Shearer of Vermont, and Morgan Lazar of Sag Harbor; and a son, Chris Lazar and wife Tina of Massachusetts.
Visitation was at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor on August 15. A funeral Mass took place on August 16 at St. Andrew’s Church in Sag Harbor. Burial was at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale.
Donations may be made to Lucia’s Angels, which supports women and their families through the late stages of terminal cancer, at www.luciasangels.org.
on Aug 18, 2014