In Memoriam: Former Rumsonite, VNA Development Director, Riverview Nurse, Nancy Monserrat, 79

Former Rumsonite, Nancy Elizabeth Casey Montserrat, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 31, her beloved children and caregivers by her side. She was 79.

“Caring, service, and love for others were the red threads of Nancy’s life …

“Nancy’s famous love for music started early, ‘singing a third’ with her parents, both of whom were gifted musicians; playing guitar and piano; singing in the school chorus; and performing in public alongside the other Casey Sisters, Judy, Mary and Teresa. A strong musical spirit followed her throughout her life: Nancy could always be counted on to break into song at the slightest provocation, and to harmonize with whatever might be playing on the radio.”
Loved ones of Nancy Monserrat in her obituary

Born and raised in Bar Harbor, one of four daughters of William and Eleanore Casey, Nancy attended Mount Desert Island High School and Eastern Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. As a registered nurse on the obstetrics ward, she cared for women and newborns at Women and Children’s Hospital in Boston and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

Nancy continued her life of service through volunteer work with the Monmouth County Office of Social Services and at Holy Cross Church in Rumson. Eventually, her volunteer work became a full-time job, as she served as director of Development for the Visiting Nurses Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ).

“Later, Nancy put her talents to use as an entrepreneur, founding a successful event planning business. This ‘barber’s daughter’ soon found herself organizing lavish events in New York City, rubbing shoulders with celebrities while never losing her warm smile, her nurturing spirit, and, as the song goes, her laughing face.

Nancy spent many joyful hours on the grass courts of Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club in Rumson. She loved a friendly doubles match on a summer afternoon, although she may have loved enjoying a laugh and a drink with friends afterward even more. Above all, Nancy was the solid center of a large, loving, and beautifully messy ‘blended family.’ She raised children and stepchildren alike with compassion, patience, and unconditional love.
Loved ones of Nancy Monserrat in her obituary

At age 63, Nancy was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare, progressive, and incurable neurodegenerative disease.

“While she gradually lost her ability to do many of the things she loved, Nancy’s unique and beautiful spirit remained undiminished to the very end, and remains so still. The family wishes to thank Nancy’s amazing caregivers, Jennifer George and Janet Thomas, and her neurologist Dr. Martin Goldstein, for their skillful and compassionate support over many years.”

Nancy is survived by: her daughter, Elizabeth Torchia, and son-in-law, Matt, of Cohasset, MA; son, Tom Snow, and daughter-in-law, Lydia Knab, of Cambridge, MA; daughter, Margie Montserrat, and son-in-law, Stephen Sheehan, of Fair Haven; and grandchildren, Katherine, John, Daniel, and Casey Torchia, Mia, Ellie, and Sarah Snow, Constantin Knab, and Wesley and Matthew Montserrat; and ex-husband, Don Snow, of Stuart, FL.

“Technically, there should be some ‘steps’ and ‘halves’ in the list above, but such prefixes were irrelevant in Nancy’s eyes.”

She was predeceased by: her ex-husband, Robert Montserrat; and son, Robert Montserrat Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to the Neuropathology Brain Bank at Mount Sinai Health System: http://giving.mountsinai.org/goto/Nancy.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home