Nancy Jane (Mooney) Schettig, 84, passed away on May 21st, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, after a lengthy illness. She was a resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania for the past 10 years and a part-time resident of Buffalo, Wyoming from 2001-2020. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Schettig, her parents, Clay Mooney and Dora Hollinbaugh Fritz, her siblings: Shirley Campbell, Patti Rae, Bertha Bable, Byron Mooney, Rita Camp and Donnie “George” Mooney; as well as her sisters-in-law, Judy and Chris Mooney and her granddaughter Infant Fezell.
She was born on November 15th, 1940 and raised primarily by her grandparents in New Brighton, where she spent most of her life. Nancy had an abundance of family and friends who adored her. She made many of these friends through her work and volunteer activities. Beginning in high school after graduating with the New Brighton Class of 1959, she worked at Baden’s Dairy, Jurich’s Furniture, K-Mart and McNutt’s Abbey Flower Shoppe. She then became a tour bus guide before spending 22 years as a land leasing agent for Atlas Resources. Her last job was truly in her sweet spot: a hostess at Eat’n Park in Franklin. We’ve been told that Nancy’s gift of gab was loved by customers being seated but led to some massive congestion in the waiting area. Management politely asked her to “pick up the pace a little bit.” Her many volunteer activities in New Brighton included being a den mother for Cub Scouts and President of both New Brighton Midget Football and Varsity Football Mothers. In Wyoming, Nancy was a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate – son Rick followed in his mother’s footsteps and is currently a CASA in Monterey County, California), and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) volunteer.
Nancy was known and loved for her “open door” policy. A seat at her kitchen table, hot coffee, a cigarette (until she quit cold turkey 15 years ago – so proud of her!) and hours of conversation were available to all who showed up, no matter the time of day. Much of Nancy’s life was centered around raising, providing for, and fighting for her boys, all the while instilling in them a lasting sense of caring and kindness. Her home and yard in New Brighton were always full of her sons’ friends, and most of her “adopted” boys can tell a good story or two about the many escapades at 474 Allendale Road.
Nancy’s stories, antics and unlimited supply of love, wisdom and support sent in the form of cards and newspaper clippings will be remembered forever by her three sons, Rick (Molly) Fezell of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, Tim (Chris) Fezell of Punxsutawney and Doug (Jenn) Fezell of Franklin. Her boys were the epicenter of Nancy’s life, and they will miss her tremendously.
Nancy’s true “sunshine’s” were her seven grandchildren – Andie (Kenny) Bruzzone, Kate Fezell, Charlie Fezell, Jackson Fezell, Ben Fezell, Nick Fezell and Nate Fezell, all who loved her dearly. Even up to her final days, Nancy was attending Nick and Nate’s Franklin High basketball and baseball games.
In addition to her sons, their spouses and grandchildren, Nancy is survived by a multitude of family members, including her stepmother, Mary Mooney, her brother, Leroy “Fats” Mooney, her sisters, Mary Ann (Tim) O’Shea and Donna (Brad) Custer, in-laws Ed Rae and Randy Bable, and many nieces and nephews including: Jill (Mike) Botinovch, Mark (Mariah) Balderson, Jodi (Jon) Hilliard, Debi (Dave) Anderson, Rhonda Campbell, Mick (Stacey) Campbell, Randy Mooney, Lori Spickerman and Beth Mooney. Jill and Jodi are truly the daughters of Nancy’s heart, and they took care of the many things (and had the many conversations) not so intuitive to her boys. A special thanks goes out to them. Lifetime friends include Susan Cramer and the McCutcheon, Steck and Stefanosky families. Stephanie Rodgers of Franklin became a dear friend along with Nancy’s many neighbors. The family appreciates their constant attention and care.
Nancy also came to love being a parishioner at East Grove Church in Franklin. Her many church friends and Pastor Matt Blake provided her comfort, companionship and blessings beyond compare.
A thank you goes out to the many healthcare professionals at UPMC and AHN who provided Nancy outstanding care in both Franklin and Pittsburgh. A special thanks to Dr. Matthew Lander and his team at Allegheny Hospital. We all came to learn from Nancy that if Dr. Lander said it, it was true.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
The angel said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I would have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home,
for God looked and smiled at me and said, “Nancy, welcome home.”
Friends and family will be received on Friday, June 27th, from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 11 a.m. in New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 6th Ave, New Brighton. Pastors Gary Hilton and John Seth will co-officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.
Nancy believed that kindness was contagious. In lieu of flowers, Nancy would like you to perform a simple act of kindness in her memory. It could be opening a door for someone, giving a genuine compliment, sending a handwritten card or message (Nancy didn’t text or email – too impersonal), or visiting a lonely neighbor or family member. The family requests that donations be made in Nancy’s memory to CASA of Monterey County, 945 South Main Street, Unit 107, Salinas, CA 93901.