Obituary of Nancy Barnum

Nancy Ann Barnum passed away quietly on January 13, 2020 after a long battle with dementia. She was born August 10, 1930 in Lockport to Dorothy M. (Snedeker) and Bernard L. Ritzenthaler. She met her future husband, Harry E. Barnum in St. Patrick's grade school. She went on to attend St. Joseph's Academy where she was salutatorian of her graduating class in 1948. After high school, she attended Eastman Dental Dispensary, where she studied and became a Dental Hygienist, Class of 1950. She practiced as a hygienist in Washington, DC, Painted Post, NY, and Wilson Public Schools. She and the love of her life, Harry, were married April 7, 1956 at St. Patrick's Church. Over the next nine years they had four children, Kathleen E. (Christopher) Prucha, Harry P. (Kathryn), Michael D., and Mary Karen (Joseph) Seeger. She is also survived by eight grandchildren who were the light of her life, Michael (Kiersten), Sara, and Emily Prucha. Vance, Ava, and William Barnum, and Joshua and Katelyn Seeger, and two great grandchildren, Arthur and Wesley Prucha. Nancy was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, St. Patrick's School PTA, DeSales Mother's Club, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, and Volunteered at the former Odd Fellows Home as a Eucharistic Minister. Nancy's kindness knew no bounds caring for family, friends, and fellow parishioners. Always leading by example and kind words, she was first to be there with a helping hand and a smile. Nancy was a loving stay-at-home mom while her children were growing but later, she returned to her career, this time working for her only brother, the late Dr. James D. (late Sandra) Ritzenthaler. After she and Harry retired, they traveled extensively through the US and to Europe and visited over 17 countries in as many years. We were very blessed to have her with us so long, and we will miss her dearly. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, January 16th from 6-8 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 17th at 12 Noon in All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Nancy's favorite charity is The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur. St. Mary Center, 241 Lafayette Avenue, Buffalo, NY 1421