On December 22, 2018, the night of the full moon, Nancy Hudak, a lifelong resident and cherished friend of so many in our community, peacefully died in the family farmhouse in which she was born on October 14, 1955. Nancy passed as she lived – full of love, strength and an awesome dignity. A fiercely independent woman, Nancy “walked the talk,” always treading gently through this world, valuing friendships over possessions, action over words and expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.
Nan was known to many as the owner of Rail City Market, which she had operated for many years. People often entered her store as customers and left as friends. Nan greeted everyone with a smile, a kind word and a genuine interest in their lives. She made it her business to get to know most customers by name and to actively listen to them talk about their lives. People often brought their children, pets, parents and friends into the market just to meet Nancy. Through the years it was a common sight to see senior citizens, such as her uncle Dick, resting comfortably on the wooden bench in the front of the store, holding a warm conversation with Nan while she worked.
Away from the store, Nan chose to live a quiet life, enjoying long walks in the woods with her dogs and doing all of the activities required of those who choose to live in the hills of Vermont. She found deep peace in solitude and guarded her valued privacy.
Nancy held a very special place in her heart for the creatures that live on this planet with us – especially for dogs. Over the years she rescued many unwanted dogs providing them with a “forever” place in her home. A wall in the store was festooned with photos of her friends’ dogs, all of which she knew by name. Such was her love of dogs, and her understanding of the value of the friendship that they brought to their owners, that Nan often spent her free time searching the area for others’ lost pets.
Nan was a wise woman who could always be relied upon to give her friends thoughtful advice as well as her point of view on a wide range of topics. She held strong opinions but was always open to hearing other perspectives.
Nancy Hudak was the kind of person who in so many quiet ways made our world a better place. Though her passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of so many, we are all the better having had Nancy in our lives.
Nancy was the daughter of John and Virginia Hudak. She is survived by her sister Jane and brothers David, Richard and Alex. Jane and Marie (sister-in-law) tenderly cared for Nancy at the end of her life.
Memorial donations in memory of Nancy can be made to Granite State Dog Recovery, a group of volunteers who reunite lost dogs with their owners, at granitestatedogrecovery.com.
A celebration of life will be held in the Bliss Room at the St. Albans Museum on January 5 at 1 p.m.
This article appears in Dec 26, 2018 – Jan 8, 2019.
Miss her already. Will cherish our many conversations together over the past 15 years. Vicki and Roland
I really can’t believe this…
I loved her so much and she was one the greatest souls on Earth, but God needed her more than us probably…
So sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. She always made me feel at home while shopping at Rail City Market. We’ll miss her.
I am shaken to the core over the loss of Nancy. What she meant to so many cannot be summed up in an obituary. My mother thought the world of her. Nancy brought clean and wholesome foods to our area with her store. She was always ahead of the times, encouraging us to be better to our bodies through natural foods. I will miss her greatly. I am one of those people who benefited from her wise advice more than once. She was a beautiful person and I will never forget her.
We have lost a truly beautiful soul. She was the kindest person I have ever known. We all will miss her.
It’s not having everything go right, it’s facing whatever goes wrong.
It’s not being without fear, it’s having the determination to go on in spite of it.
There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn…
Remember that every day ends and brings a new tomorrow full of exciting new things.
Life continues after death as long as you remember
the warmth of another’s smile,
the gentleness of their touch,
the meaning they brought to your life.
In your rememberance of another, death cannot overtake life.
You will be missed and loved always~
I am so sad to hear that Nancy is no longer with us! I was one of the many that arrived at Rail City Market as a customer and left as a friend. When my German Shepherd went missing I immediately called her and she instantly became a helping hand and support until we found her. Nancy, I will miss you but I am happy we met! You leave a kindness in the world that is very special!
I met Nancy a year ago. She went above and beyond in helping me to recover my lost dog Ashton. It was such an emotional time and she cared so deeply. I am so sad to hear that she is no longer with us!
I will miss all the wonderful tips and advise she shared with me over the years. Rest In Peace Nancy.
Nancy was my first employer and mentor, but I would call her my second mother in many ways. She taught me the spirit of community, the importance of a hand written letter, the powerful message that independence does not mean isolation. Thank you to Nancy for making VT a better place, and the people you helped better people.
Heaven gained another angel. Kind hearted, wise, smart, and welcoming to all. Nancy you will be missed as your presence really did shine bright.
I knew Nancy for almost fifty years. I can honestly say that she was one of the most honest, gentle, generous and caring people I have ever been privileged to know. She leaves a big hole in the heart of St. Albans and in all who have had our lives graced by her presence in them.
Nancy was one of the most kindest and loyal friend anyone could ask for!! She was one of the best! I always looked looked forward to seeing and talking with her anytime i went into the store. It’s so heartbreaking she will be so missed by everyone that was lucky enough to have known this beautiful soul. Thank you Nancy for all the support you have given me over the years . Rest in peace my dear friend!!
Nancy had a quick and passionate intelligence that would stop me in my tracks and I always felt valued in her presence. The wisdom she shared on being an empowered and giving person was authentic and her vibrant spirit will remain always in the community.
Nancy was a wonderful and warm woman with a generous heart. Part of the heart and soul of St. Albans. We will miss you. My condolences to all that knew this gentle soul.