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Nancy “Mary Poppins” Danielson of Hampton Bays lost her battle with cancer on April 10. She was 55.
For many years, she worked with the homeless in shelters, food pantries and wherever she encountered the needy. She was a devoted member of the church choir at St. Rosalie’s Church in Hampton Bays, and volunteered wherever she could in her community.
If people didn’t know her by her volunteer work or church, they might recognize her by her classic 1983, canary-yellow Mercedes station wagon, which she frequently drove down to the beach with her dogs, Sadie and Lily. Survivors said she was also known simply for her laugh and gregarious nature, especially toward children and any friendly face she encountered. Other than spending time with her loved ones, she adored the birds that visited her feeder, a good cup of Earl Grey tea, the sun on her face, cherry cheese pastries and a really good thunderstorm.
After spending most of her life in Central Islip, one day back in 1976 Ms. Danielson drove out to the Hamptons with her friends, fell in love with the environment and the people, and never left. Through her hard work, fierce independence and creative nature, she did what many people only dream of and established herself on the plot of land she adored, survivors said. She later married the man she loved and raised two daughters.
Though she only survived to 55 years old, her life was blessed and fuller than most, survivors said. She discovered that she was going to be a grandmother not a month after she was diagnosed with cancer and fought fervently to see the baby. She died knowing that Nancy Eileen would carry her name, and managed to throw her future grandchild “one hell of a baby shower.”
Ms. Danielson is survived by her husband of 30 years, Kenneth Danielson; two daughters, Laura Danielson-Kreiling and Kathleen Danielson; four sisters; two brothers; and many friends and loved ones.
Services will be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church at 9 Terrace Drive, Hampton Bays, at 11 a.m. on May 17. Donations may be made to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Apr 15, 2014