Obituary of Nancy J. Ryder

Nancy J. Ryder passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on July 11th, 2024 at the age of 86. Nancy was born in Syracuse, NY on September 8th, 1937. She was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Hazel Ranger, and her brother Robert Ranger.
Nancy attended Syracuse University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. After receiving her Bachelors, she went on to complete a Masters in Social Work at Cornell University. Her 30 year career was spent at the Onondaga County Department of Social Services working closely with the youth in the community. After her retirement from the county, she worked for the Oneida Nation Child and Family Services.
Nancy is remembered for her love of world travel. Her family and friends are left with memories of her international acts of kindness, including her “one good deed” in every place she visited. 
Nancy was a dedicated grandmother and was known to many as “Grandma Nancy”, during her time as seamstress for the Oneida High School theater program, as well as Syracuse Children’s Theater, and other local performing arts centers. Many productions were made special by her beautiful hand-made costumes, and kind and loving demeanor. 
Nancy is survived, and will be missed by, her nieces, nephews and grand- nieces, many friends and most especially, by her daughter Suzanne, and grandchildren, Hannah, William, and Carolyn.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, July 18, from 6-8pm at Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home with a memorial service at the funeral home at the conclusion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of “Grandma “Nancy”  to the Oneida Music Boosters Memorial Fund, c/o Sue Chambers, 436 Seneca St, Oneida NY 13421.