Nancy "Nini" Mangini

Nancy Simone Duda Mangini, affectionately known as "Nini," passed away on April 8, 2023, at the age of 85. Born to John and Simone Duda on February 18, 1938, at Holyoke Hospital, Nancy grew up in Springfield, MA, where she developed a deep love for horses on her family farm. After graduating from Cathedral High School, Nancy settled in Avon and Hartford, CT, raising her family and filling their lives with love and laughter.

Nini's legacy is one of love for her family, a passion for art, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Nini's heart knew no limits. Her passion for art led her to become a distinguished docent at both the Wadsworth Atheneum and Hillstead Museum, where she dedicated countless hours to ensuring visitors appreciated the collections. Nancy was particularly grateful for her work with school groups, where she sparked and nurtured their interest in the arts.

A lifelong learner, Nancy earned an Art History degree at the age of 70 from Tunxis Community College in Farmington, CT. She was an avid reader, always sharing her favorite books with friends and family. Nini's home was a gathering place for her children's friends, who came over to swim, play basketball, or sleepover.

Fiercely independent, Nancy's love for travel took her around the world, from Australia to Asia and everywhere in between. She would jump on a plane or drive for hours to visit her loved ones, never hesitating to spend time with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Nancy's talents extended beyond art and travel, as she was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and crocheter. Her stunning crafts and Christmas ornaments were admired by many. Nini's apple and lemon meringue pies were family favorites, and her infectious laugh and ever-present smile will be forever missed by all who knew her.

Nancy also had a deep love for her dogs Nikki and Dillon, who brought joy and companionship to her life.

Nancy leaves behind her loving children Pamela Mangini Steffen (Gary), Brenda Mangini Bellucci (Harry), Scott Mangini (Susan), Kyle Mangini (Amanda), and Eric Mangini (Julie); her adored grandchildren Marley, Keenan, Tanner, Allison, Erin, Claire, Taylor, Ana, Jake, Luke, Zack, Max, Hayden, and Isla; her cherished great-grandchildren Kane and Reid; her siblings Linda (Steve) Mandolesi, Lawrence (Terri) Duda, and James (Gillian) Duda; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Nancy was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 27 years, Carmine Mangini, and her brothers John (Judy) Duda and Phillip (Sandra) Duda.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 21st, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT. The family will have calling hours before the Mass at the church from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the Carmine and Frank Mangini Foundation (www.cfm-foundation.org), which will be used by the Wadsworth Atheneum and Hillstead Museum to further the love of art with children. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.

As we celebrate Nancy's life, let us carry on her legacy of love, learning, and laughter, and honor her memory by cherishing our moments together and the beauty in the world around us.