Nancy Jane Deshaies, 87, Massena

MASSENA – Nancy Jane Deshaies, 87, of Old River Road, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 16, 1936, at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Nancy was born on April 5, 1936, in Massena, the daughter of the late Ross and Thelma (Manion) Miller.

She lived her first year of life on Long Sault Island. She attended Massena schools graduating high school in 1954 and later from Canton ATC in 1956.

While at Canton ATC, she was awarded the “Scholastic Achievement” in the dietary program. Following her graduation, she interned at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

On June 22, 1957, she married Arthur “Turk” Deshaies and was blessed with two sons.

Nancy worked for a year at Mercy Hospital in Watertown, followed by three years at Massena Memorial Hospital. After leaving the hospital, she started working for Brad’s Big M, where worked in many departments until her retirement.

She enjoyed writing poetry, sewing, quilting, collecting dolls, and her dogs, Teddybear, Mandy, Barney Miller, and Opie.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Arthur “Turk”; her sons, Charles Arthur Deshaies and his wife, Esther Lang of Montreal and Terrance Ross Deshaies of Sarasota, Florida; her grandsons, James “JR” and Ashley Deshaies and Michael and Leanne Deshaies; her granddaughters, Michelle Tran and Marina Deshaies; great-granddaughters, Natalie and Riley; and cherished friends, Kathy Marshall and Daniel Timothy.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Clare Miller in December 1992 and her brother, Vernon Neil Miller in March 2002.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, however, there will be no services.

Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.