Nancy L. (Blumenstalk) Mingus

Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67, died in her home in Lyndonville, NY from bile duct cancer on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years, Michael Mingus, daughters Marissa and Paige, grandchildren Xavier Enrique Mendoza and Adalind Rose Aponte, sisters Linda Scheuer and Jan McDonald and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Nancy was born in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Schalmont HS ’74. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education from SUNY Oneonta ’77, a Masters in Education from Alfred University ’82, a Masters in Historic Preservation from Goucher College ’01, and she was ABD in the American History doctoral program at SUNY Buffalo.

After several decades of working in corporate computing and training, Nancy started her own company, Mingus Associates, Inc. through which she designed and delivered courses and materials and taught thousands of students all over the world both in a variety of instructional settings and online. She also taught and administered programs at several colleges and universities, including Alfred, Buffalo, Cornell, DeVry, Empire State, Pace, and Phoenix.

Nancy was a freelance writer and editor, authoring five books, more than forty articles in national publications, and video scripts and workbooks for computer courses. She also published on topics ranging from ballooning to the Erie Canal. She was a frequent contributor to the western NY magazine Buffalo Spree, for example, “Jeddo Mills,” published on Sept 10, 2021, and (“Preservation/ A Carpenter Gothic Rarity,” Nov. 30, 2020), where she described one of her own projects that combined her loves of historic preservation, antiquing and creative design. In 2005, Nancy purchased a home in Knowlesville, NY that was badly in need of preservation. The home became her corporate office and her key preservation project, as well as a location that allowed her to purchase and showcase her continually growing collection of antiques.

Nancy served on the Amherst Historic Preservation Commission for eight years and as its Chair for three. She was an experienced project manager, active in local and national project management organizations and frequently spoke at international training and computer conferences. Nancy loved gardening, old buildings, antiquing, photography, gaming, writing, reading and watching mysteries, creative projects with family, and spending time with her grandkids. She valued her time with extended family and made sure we all gathered at various times during the year.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 7th, at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St, Medina, NY 14103. A memorial service will be held beginning at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

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