Nancy Lorraine Nye

CATTARAUGUS — Nancy Lorraine Nye, 74, passed away peacefully Saturday (Oct. 18, 2025), surrounded by the love of her daughters, after a brief but courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born on Aug. 10, 1951, in Cuba, Nancy was one of 10 beloved children of James and Pierette Plumcocq Rauh. She graduated from Salamanca Central High School, Class of 1969.

On March 15, 1979, she married the love of her life, Francis W. Nye, with whom she shared many devoted years until his passing in 2001.

Nancy was the heart of her family — her greatest joy came from being surrounded by those she loved. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and the time spent with her siblings was deeply cherished. Her home was always the center of family life, filled with laughter, love and the warmth of shared meals and holiday traditions.

Nancy was a woman of quiet strength, gentle humor and immense heart. She and Fran owned and operated The Coachmen’s Inn Restaurant for many years, a cherished gathering place in the community until their retirement and its closure in 1992. Nancy held the secret recipe to their famous house dressing close — entrusting it only to her children, and warning of the impostors floating around!

She had a deep love for nature and could often be found birdwatching from her porch. A highlight of every spring was the family contest to spot the first robin, followed by a flurry of phone calls to claim victory. Nancy also treasured family vacations to Myrtle Beach, where she spent her days in the surf, adjusting her chair with the tide and soaking in the sun and joy of family togetherness.

An avid gardener, Nancy found peace and fulfillment in tending to her flowers. Her front garden was a summer sanctuary where family gathered to sip coffee, tell stories and simply be together.

She is survived by her four children, Jay Scott Nye of Little Valley, Christopher (Teresa) Nye of Dade City, Fla., Sarah (Kevin) Pangborn of Cattaraugus and Laura (Tony) Hodara of Kill Buck. She was a loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Jai, Michael, Patrick, Justice, Alex, Grace, Sophia and Karah, and a proud great-grandmother to Landon, Maddie, Maverick, Alexander, Jackson and Elliana. Nancy is also survived by her devoted sisters, Michelle (Page) Martin of Little Valley and Kathryn Wenke of Great Valley, as well as her lifelong best friend, Ruth Shear of Angelica, who had been by her side since first grade.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Fran, Nancy was predeceased by her beloved son, Timothy Nye, and her siblings Jim Rauh, John Rauh, Steven Rauh, Janine Maier, Kristina Yoffee, Joelle Murdock and Danielle Rauh.

Calling hours will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 23, 2025) at Mentley Funeral Home, Little Valley. A celebration of Nancy’s life will follow at 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 24, 2025), also at Mentley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Cattaraugus Volunteer Fire Department or Ambulance Company.

Nancy Lorraine Nye leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and the kind of warmth that turns a house into a home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.