Nancy Louise Mink (nee Hurtuk) was born on March 14, 1952 and died on May 28, 2024 after a short battle with cancer.
Nancy always lit up a room. It’s hard to think of her and not be reminded of her infectious laugh and smile. She was always at the center of the action and fun. Her life was defined by close personal relationships with friends and family, all of which she nurtured and enjoyed. Nancy regaled her family with tales of growing up on Eighth Street in Jersey City. The only child of Estelle and Michael Hurtuk, she spoke fondly of growing up with her cousins in a brownstone and playing in the shadows of St. Anthony’s. At thirteen, she moved to Rutherford, where she was a resident for 44 years. She attended St. Mary’s High School and was forensics champion for her reading of “Horton Hatches The Egg.” She attended Fairleigh Dickenson University, where she met Bill Mink, the absolute love of her life. Married at 21, their love story was one for the ages and they were devoted spouses for 49 years until his passing in 2022. Nancy put her roots down on Irving Place, raising her three children, Melissa Osterwind (nee Mink), William (Bill), and Timothy. She was a devoted mother and a permanent fixture at whatever gym, little league field, or theater her children were performing on. She forged the original “Mom Squad” - the stories of the Rutherford Biddy Basketball Trip to the National Tournament are still legendary. She loved her children endlessly and was a constant means of support. In retirement, she fulfilled her lifelong dream to move permanently to the shore. She and Bill set down roots to build their dream home overlooking the waters of the Kettle Creek. She was the life of the neighborhood party with an active social calendar. In the last ten years, she put her travel shoes on and spent time in Aruba, cruising the Caribbean, and even a trip or two to Europe. She was a devout Catholic and a vicious blackjack player. The Borgata is particularly devastated by her passing. She loved crocheting, cheesy rom-coms, and betting on football. She transformed from an amazing wife and mother to a beloved Babci, doting in her grandchildren Nicholas, Anneliese, and Michael. She spoiled them all rotten, much to the chagrin (and delight) of her own children. Nancy really was one-of-a-kind. One of the best to ever do it in all aspects of life. She collected people in life and loved them all well. Her celebration of life will include friends from childhood, high school, friends from Rutherford, and friends she made in retirement. She will be sorely missed by all of us, especially her children. In the wake of her devastating diagnosis, Nancy was clear she wanted to have a party to celebrate her life. No sad music, just good wine and food and to have people tell stories about her. Her children will distribute that information soon. Arrangements were under the care of Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at gaitamh.com.
4 Comments
Pat and Tony Ungaro
5/31/2024 02:24:10 pm
Nancy was the loving mother of Melissa, my daughter Christina’s friend. They went to St. Mary’s elementary school together. Nancy was a happy, full of fun person who was kind to everyone. She will be missed by many. We are saddened by her passing.
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Frank and Evelyn Shemek
6/1/2024 08:08:21 am
R, I, P, Nancy - now you are with Bill. Pinky and I served together in Japan and remained friends till the end. Meeting Nancy at the 6918 Reunions and visiting them at their home will remain with us always.
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Gary Castellano
6/3/2024 04:01:21 am
I will always remember our Forensic League trips with Nancy and being chaperoned by Sister Virginia Pierre. We would practice Horton Hatches the Egg together and always had a good time. She invited me to the Sadie Hawkins dance in our junior year....Rest in Peace Nancy.
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Jim O’Brien
6/3/2024 05:11:09 am
Safe journey, Nancy. You made St. Mary’s a happier place for me and for all.
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