Obituary of Nancy Lee Arbegast

Age 87, passed away peacefully in Elmira on Thursday, August 29, 2024.  Nancy was the daughter of Malcolm and Katherine Hagenberger Dailey.  In addition to her parents Nancy is predeceased by brother Patrick Dailey, sister Jean L. Anderson and ex-husband Jack E. Arbegast.  She is survived by sisters, Carol Engler of West Suffield CT and Debra Fenstermaker of Williamsport PA; sister-in-law Norma J. Dailey of St. Augustine FL; brother-in-law Robert Anderson of Medina OH; daughters and sons-in-law, Christy and Thomas Klouman of Fairfield CT, Fawn E. and Thomas Hughes of Penn Yan NY, Susan A. and Drew Storch of Elmira, Laura L. and Kelly Earley of Horseheads, Amy B. Engelbert with Gregg Bixler of Elmira Heights; grandchildren, Patrick and Kyle (Ann) Klouman, Jeremy (Kim), Kelly, and Alex Hughes, Jason (April) Arbegast, Ricky Kelley, Katy (Steven) Storm, Cody (Jessica) Koellner, Morgan (Gino) Marcello, Taylor (Brandon) Ayers; great grandchildren, Logan Klouman, Landon and Maddie Hughes, Quinn, Sawyer, and Rylan Arbegast, Khloe, Claire and Chase Koellner, Brody Marcello, Kolt Duryea, Hudson and Olivia Ayers; close companion Charlie Lesperance; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

From her early days proudly born and raised in Williamsport PA, to raising her own family in Elmira Heights NY, Nancy’s love for life was only ever outdone by her love of family.  She lived her life to the fullest extent with no regrets – often frequenting the casino or roping her family into joining her on a trip to the beach, where she rode the ocean waves on her raft for hours and hours.  She loved potato chips & dip, teaberry ice cream from Big Top, and was rarely ever seen without a diet Pepsi in hand.  If she wasn’t outside adventuring, you could find her cozied up on her couch at home watching her beloved tennis, and probably sharing her staunch political views with you, even if you never asked!  Her resiliency and drive to work hard all her life to provide for her five girls, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed is to be admired.  Nancy’s true legacy is her family.  She lived for them and always showed up to support them in all of their endeavors.  She was the best mom, grandma, and great grandma.  Her family will certainly miss her “Dailey” moments, but we know that she is in heaven embracing everyone she encounters with a smile and a warm hug.  She truly made the world a better place.  You are in our hearts and minds always.  Nancy, and yes, we know, you are a GREAT driver!

Nancy was a retired civilian employee from the Elmira Correctional Facility.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024.  A funeral service will follow at 3:15 p.m.  A livestream of the service will be on YouTube; please subscribe to McInerny Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Williamsport PA at a later date. 

Nancy’s family would like to thank Dr. Rodrigo Samodal and staff, Dr. Kim Kaffenbarger and team, Arnot 3BC nurses and staff, Arnot social worker Lisa Kimball and Courtyards at Bethany for the love, compassion and care you showed our beloved mother in her time of need.  Those wishing may remember Nancy with a donation to Meals On Wheels, 409 William Street, Elmira NY 14901,  Alzheimer’s Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.