Nancy E. Manders

Nancy Elizabeth Manders, 85, left this world peacefully surrounded by her loving family and was welcomed Home to the loving arms of her mother on March 22, 2017, at her home in North Syracuse, New York, following a prolonged illness.

Born Nancy E. Fattibene on September 11, 1931, in Valley Stream, New York, to Michele Potito (of Foggia, Italy) and Marian Ann (Mellina) Fattibene, she grew up in Corona, New York. At 18 years old, she met the love of her life, her husband Eric Manders and they spent 67 happy years together. They married on April 16, 1955, and enjoyed nearly 62 years of wedded bliss.

Nancy had a variety of hobbies, including knitting and cooking (her Christmas cookies could not be beat!), but she turned her favorite hobby, making and collecting dollhouse miniatures into a thriving business. Nancy Manders Miniatures featured beautiful reproduction silk hats in 1" scale. The hats Nancy made were award-winning and her work is recognized both nationally and internationally. Nancy, affectionately known as the "Hat Lady," was a member of the Syracuse Area Miniature Enthusiasts (S.A.M.E.), National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (N.A.M.E.), and the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (I.G.M.A) where she held the title of Fellow. Nancy's hats set the standard for hat making in the miniature and dollhouse industry.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Eric Manders, her son John Manders (Deb Spangler), daughter Marian Manders (David Opdyke), granddaughter Meghan (Andrew) Martinez, her cousin, Annabel Crowell, her niece and goddaughter, Nancy Foley, a niece Michele (Gary) Tashman and nephew George (Mary Ann) Manders, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Nancy's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on April 8, 2017. Calling hours from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 at the New Comer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, North Syracuse, New York 13212.

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