Nancy Williams Parker Comfort

ELMIRA - Nancy Williams Parker Comfort passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on March 16, 2021.She is now free to dance and sing in the heavens above with joy and laughter.Nancy was born in Elmira on September 10, 1932 to the late Gordon and Crystal (Parks) Williams and was a graduate of Southside High School. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Alfred J. Parker after 39 years of marriage; and also by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Sue (Golden) Parker; stepson, Joseph Comfort; and her siblings Norma, Jeanne, Phyllis, Pat and John. She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Lawrence F. Comfort; her daughters Debra (Rich) Swan, Julie (Bob) Kriston; stepdaughter, Kelley Gervais; grandchildren, Andy (Karena) Swan, Betsy (Matt) Underhill, Alexis Swan, Patrick (Ana Rosa) Swan, Matt (Julie)Parker, Katy (Drew) Cartwright, Jacob Parker; step-grandchildren, Somer Comfort, Joe (Lisa) Comfort, Stacy (Richard) Gray, Carla (Carl) Bickel, Michael (Trish) Shearer, Rebecca Gervais, Jennifer (Terry) Potoka, and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Nancy was a long-time member of Riverside Methodist Church for most of her life, and her faith was very strong.Over the years she was a Sunday School teacher, volunteered at the church Food Bank and worked many church lasagna dinners.She loved to visit nursing home residents, and with Larry led sing-alongs at area skilled nursing facilities.She loved visiting with her dear friends Helen and Doris, childhood friend Sue, and sister-in-law Arlene, and enjoyed many family luncheons and birthday pizza parties.Liberty Street was a place of family for her and held a special spot in her heart, as she grew up there, raised her own family in her childhood home, and spent most of her later years there. Her chocolate chip cookies were rivaled by none, and enjoyed by many.She had many passions: rainbows, pansies and violets, music and dancing, rummage sales, writing letters and poems, sending cards, and caring for her pets and all God’s creatures.She never took a walk without a dog biscuit in her pocket.Nancy was a loving, giving person who was known for her genuine kindness, and who made the world a better place for all who knew her.And, she was the best Mom and Grandma ever. The family is forever grateful to all the staff at Bethany Manor for their love and care given to Nancy over the last four years.A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.The best way to honor Nancy’s memory is to practice random acts of kindness.She would like that!