Nan Lewis Glass

Nan Elaine Lewis Glass of Hartford, CT and Durham, NC passed away peacefully in the arms of loving family on the morning of August 10, 2017. Born to Elizabeth Mass and Robert R. Lewis on June 7, 1929, Nan grew up surrounded by a large extended family of Polish-Jewish immigrants in Hartford, CT.
Nan graduated from William H. Hall High School in 1946. Nan’s first job, in 1944, had been as a runner in the editorial offices of the Hartford Times where her father worked. In 1950, she earned a BA in English Literature from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Following graduation and a job in UConn’s Public Information office, she married Harvey L. Glass in December 1951. For the next three decades, Nan helped support Harv’s graduate studies and professional life while raising four children, Alan, Amy, David and Mitch.
Nan began her career outside the home first as a reporter for the West Hartford News in 1971, then as a member of the Town Council from 1973 until 1978, when she returned to the News as managing editor. In 1979, Nan was elected to the position of Town Clerk serving four terms until her retirement in 1995. Encouraged to run again for Council, as top vote-getter, Nan became Mayor of West Hartford, serving for two years before officially retiring in 1997.
In 1987, Nan was instrumental in creating the now annual town-wide event, “Celebrate! West Hartford” the 30th anniversary of which was held this past June.
After retiring, Nan returned to Hartford, the city of her birth and the city she loved. She remained active in Hartford and West Hartford, consulting on the publication of “Celebrate! West Hartford” an illustrated history of the town, planning the 150th Anniversary observance of the founding of West Hartford, and consulting on the renovation of the Noah Webster Library in 2006.
In addition to this work, Nan engaged in life and with people in myriad ways. She volunteered with Loaves and Fishes Ministries in Hartford, served on the Isidore Wise scholarship committee for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and on numerous other boards and non-profits. She loved music and opera, and spent many a Saturday listening to the Met Opera broadcasts on public radio. An avid reader (news, mysteries, obituaries), expert crossword puzzler, and life-long Scrabble-player, Nan renewed an interest in and talent for bridge playing later in life once she moved to Durham, NC in 2014.
This list of accomplishments only reflects a small part of the intelligent, witty, humorous, sparkling and sassy personality of Nan Glass. Capturing the essence of this remarkable woman is nearly impossible in a few words. To know her was truly to love her.
Nan leaves her son Alan L. Glass of West Hartford, CT; daughter Amy S. Glass and Peter P. Geoffrion of Durham, NC; son Mitchell J. Glass and Linda Shi of Ithaca, NY, seven grandchildren ranging in age from 37 years to 6 months — Robert Glass, Jessica and Emily Glass, Allana and Rachel Geoffrion, and Cooper and Zoe Glass; sister Frances Baer of Titusville, FL; sister-in-law Janice Glass of Avon, CT; brother-in-law Richard Levy of Phoenix, AZ; daughter-in-law Nancy B. Glass; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and her beloved Ginger; lifelong friends including the “Imprint Ladies” and Emerald Pond table-mates and bridge-mates.
Nan was predeceased by son David A. Glass, sister Marsha Lewis Levy, and parents Elizabeth and Robert R. Lewis, as well as dear friend Elizabeth K. Steven among others. To honor Nan’s memory, tribute contributions may be made to the Isidore Wise Scholarship Program of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the Elizabeth Park Conservancy, Urban Ministries of Durham, or to a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the medical staffs of the Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital and the Duke Cancer Center of Durham NC. We express deep gratitude to caregivers and friends Isis Thomas and Jennifer Evans, and the exceptionally kind and compassionate staff of the Duke Hospice Hock Family Pavilion of Durham NC.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 14, 2017 in the Chapel of Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery, Jackson St. Ext., Avon, CT. Following the interment the family will receive relatives and friends at the Beth El Temple social hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Nan, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.