Nancy M. Kreis died after a brief illness on August 26, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center. She was surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born to John and Dorothy Clay on May 10, 1948, the first of two children. She grew up in Groveland, Mass., but lived most of her life in Sandisfield with her last few years in Otis.
While raising her family, Nancy proudly served the Town of Sandisfield as an EMT and firefighter for many years, always putting others’ well-being before her own. She excelled in her field of phlebotomy before and after raising her kids. She was a kind and compassionate person who served all quietly and with dignity and respect. After retirement, Nancy enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Otis Council on Aging, making crafts, sharing meals, and enjoying new and flourishing friendships.
Nancy leaves her son Eric J. Kreis; her daughter-in-law Tina (DeVoti) and the DeVoti family; her daughter Kelli A. Mazza; her son-in-law John; four grandchildren, Jacob, Thomas, Emilie, and Joseph; her very special friend and companion Mark Belina; her sister Cindy Galasso; two nephews; and her extended family members Kendra LaFrance, Lylah, and the Demeritt family. She was as incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren as they were of her.
Nancy was an extremely independent woman who loathed asking for help but would be the first person to help another. She was fun loving, quiet but opinionated, and had an amazing sense of humor and a great laugh. She truly loved spending time with her family, crafting, shopping, and watching her hummingbirds. The motoring public is now much safer without Nancy on the road; she unknowingly hit everything but the lottery whenever she drove. The family would like to thank the Otis Ambulance, Southern Berkshire Ambulance Service, the staff at Fairview Hospital, and the staff at Baystate Medical Center, especially the nurses and doctors who cared for her with compassion and exceptional care.
A memorial gathering in honor of Nancy will be held on Saturday, August 31, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. Donations can be made to the Otis Council on Aging and the Otis food pantry directly or in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
