Nancy A. Fenilii-Romanini

Nancy A. Fenili-Romanini, 85, of Hancock, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock.

She was born in Chassell on August 15th, 1931, to the late Webster and Elaine (Landstrom) Gagnon. She graduated from Chassell High School in 1949.

Upon graduation she worked as a receptionist and in the lab, for the late Dr. Alden Kerridge DDS.

On June 26th, 1951 Nancy was united in marriage with Pasquale Fenili. Together they had three children. She and Pasquale worked for his father Joe at his restaurant the Venice Café in Hancock. Pasquale and Nancy later owned and operated the Colonial Steakhouse in Hancock.  He preceded her in death on March 31st, 1980. In 1990, Nancy married Albert Romanini. He preceded her in death in 2011.

Nancy worked at the Houghton County Courthouse in the clerk’s office and as deputy register of deeds and was later elected Houghton County Clerk and Register of Deeds, until her retirement in 1997, after serving the county for 20 years. 

Nancy was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, participating in the altar society and prayer shawl group. In addition she was a member of the Daughters of Italy, Selective Service Board, U.P. & State Association County Clerk and Register of Deeds, local UAW, as well as the former president of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Nancy was also an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party since the early 1960’s and served as treasurer.

Aside from her husbands, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother Webster Gagnon, and sister-in-law Marilyn (Getzen) Gagnon. She is survived by her children, Daniel (Kim) Fenili of Wautaga, Texas, Mark Fenili of Hancock, and Amy (Anthony) Wilmers of Hancock. Nancy was the proud grandmother to Morana (Michael) Carter, Dana Fenili, Cassi Fenili, Mitchell Fenili, and Amanda (Shaun) Willmert. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Hayden Fenili, McElla and Rohan Carter. Nancy is also survived by her nephews, Alan (Val) Gagnon, and Michael (Beth) Gagnon, both of L’anse, and her cousin Barbara (John) Konye of Howell.

Nancy’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at UP Health Systems – Portage for trying to help her get to the quality of life she so wanted along with the wonderful care they gave. We also would like to thank   the caring, compassionate team at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, who always brightened her day up until the end.  We thank you also for being so kind to our family during this hard time, your kindness means more than words can say. 

Nancy was always happiest entertaining her friends and family and cooking up a storm, especially all those Italian dishes and bakery, which were always served with wine.  She had such a zest for life and was always ready for a laugh!  Her biggest love was her family and all of her special friends that meant the world to her. She so appreciated all they did for her.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock from 4 until 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. on Monday, April 17, 2017 at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Rev. Fr. William Ssozi to officiate. Spring interment will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Hope Lodge American Cancer Society, 611 W Doege St, Marshfield WI 54449.

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