Nellie S. Chanatry passed from body to spirit on April 7, 2013, peacefully in her sleep, which was always her desire. She was a strong, talented person dedicated entirely to family. In her youth, she was an honor student at St. John's/UCA with a promising future. These aspirations evaporated overnight at the age of 16 when brother Louis died, at age 19, on Christmas Day 1932. Nellie immediately went to work at Chanatry's store to help support the growing family. She home studied accounting and bookkeeping becoming accomplished, a discipline the entire Chanatry families benefited from. She continued her work for 60 years, retiring in 1992 after seeing the French Road store bloom. Nellie was born on May 1, 1916, in Utica, the daughter of Michael and Ameena (Makames) Chanatry. Surviving are one sister and brother-in-law, Antoinette and Alex Murad; one brother and two sisters-in-law, William G. and Janet Chanatry and Teresa Chanatry; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Nellie was predeceased by her brothers, Louis Chanatry, Edward Chanatry and his wife, Mary, Col. Fred Chanatry, Dr. Joseph Chanatry and his wife, Elizabeth, and sister, Mary Murad and her husband, Anthony. Nellie's single-minded objective was to see that her siblings went to college and made something of themselves. They were children of immigrants where education meant everything. In accomplishing these objectives, Nellie sacrificed her entire life foregoing marriage, vacations and luxuries that were her due, all without whining or complaining. We, her family, past and present, could never repay this dedication. When Nellie could no longer take care of herself, she resided at the Presbyterian Home until she passed away. Nellie would have been 97 on May 1st, which today is considered a long life. This is brought up to note that Nellie often would be late for appointments, including going to church. (She was devout and never missed Mass or prayers but always left things to the last minute.) This time, however, the Good Lord said "Nellie, I'm not waiting any longer, come up here now, you have served God and family well." Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by Father Saba Shofany on Wednesday (today) at 10 a.m. at St. Basil's Melkite Catholic Church, 901 Sherman Dr., Utica. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In keeping with the family's wishes, please omit floral offerings and consider remembrances to the Presbyterian Home Memorial Fund or St. Basil's Melkite Catholic Church. The angels of mercy who tended to Nellie at the Presbyterian Home Cedar Wing are wished God's best blessings for the care they gave to Nellie. We're sure she is tossing a few blessings their way too. Arrangements are under the direction of Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Messages of sympathy at www.nunnandmcgrath.com
Published in The Observer-Dispatch from April 8 to April 10, 2013