Obituary of Nancy Mahaney Tuhey

Tuhey, Nancy Mahaney Long Time Educator Nancy Tuhey was born to Frederick McKinley Tuhey and Mary Mildred McCurdy on 10 May 1932 to in Muncie, Indiana, and passed away peaceful at her home in Tucson, Arizona on 16 October 2017. She is survived by her sister, Sally Ryan, Portland, Oregon and her brother, Jack Tuhey, Mt. Dora, Florida. She is aunt to many nieces and nephews and several grandnieces and grandnephews who are located in many parts of the United States as well as the world. Nancy was a former Indiana Hoosier who relocated to Tucson in 1968 after having lived in Colorado, California, and New York City. Nancy graduated from Burris High in Muncie on 7 June 1950. Nancy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder on 5 June 1954 where she major in theater arts. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma, Beta Mu Chapter, at Boulder. After graduation, Nancy moved to California to pursue her career in the theater industry, but this was not her destiny. She returned to Muncie to study education and received her Master's in Education from Ball State Teachers College in 14 July 1961. Thus, began her love affair with teaching. Nancy once again relocated. This time to New York City where she taught kindergarten for three years in Long Island. New York was a perfect location for her as she loved the arts, most especially opera. She attended the opera on a regular basis where she had an ideal spot in the standing room only section. Nancy would purchase a seat whenever she had a few extra dollars. Returning to Muncie after three years in NYC, Nancy obtained a job at Lincoln School. Her love of people and her love of education was an excellent attribute during her tenure in her hometown. In 1968, Nancy's parents made a move to Tucson. She followed them and was promptly employed by Tucson Public Schools (TUSD) where she worked until her retirement in 2000. Nancy taught grades 1-3 at Van Buskirk, Robison, Carrillo, and Tolson elementary schools. Nancy's last years in education were as a Family/Community Liaison, where she assisted families at Tolson. Nancy touched many lives: children, families, educators, and community members. She was a community activist not only for children and education but for myriad social and political issues. She believed in equality and justice for all. This stood her good stead through out her 39 years as a teacher. Nancy's Memorial service will be on 1 November 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 915 E. Fourth Street. A reception will follow the service. Please use the parking garage on Tyndall, directly behind the church. Parking vouchers will be available at the service. In lieu of flowers, Nancy and her loved ones ask that you send a contribution to one of her favorite organizations: The National Women's History Museum, the Tucson Audubon Society, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, or the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.