Melba H. Gruninger Nye

Melba Helen (Gruninger) Nye, 91, passed away on June 5, 2015 at Old Hundred in Ithaca NY after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Melba was born on September 26, 1923 in Syracuse NY to the late George and Marguerite (Buehler) Gruninger. She was a graduate of Syracuse North High School and Powelson Business Institute and was then employed as a secretary at Carrier Corporation. She married Howard Nye on November 19, 1949, a loving union of 49 years until his passing on June 11, 1998.
After her marriage, Melba moved to Newfield NY where she and Howard lovingly raised six daughters. She was a full time homemaker while her children were young and volunteered her time as a Brownie Girl Scout leader, Religious Education teacher, and PTA member. In later years she was an active member of the Newfield Senior Citizens group and Tai Chi classes. Throughout her life she always placed her family first and relied on her unwavering Catholic faith to guide her.
Melba was employed for many years as a teacher aide at Newfield Central School, retiring in 1999. She was certified by the US Library of Congress as a braillist and used her skills to help both students and adults.

In addition to her husband and parents, Melba was predeceased by her sister Betty (Sister Margaret George Gruninger, CSJ).Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Margaret (Victor) Munson of Painted Post NY, Janice Nye (John Navarro) of Newfield NY, Rosemary (Thomas) Battaglia of Carmel NY, Nancy (Roger) Gaulke of Sylvan Beach NY, Joanne Nye of Newfield NY, and Joyce (Joseph) Burke of Hamburg NY; her sister Elaine (John) Krupka, twelve grandchildren and two great grandsons with whom she shared a special bond, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who touched her life.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 10, 2015 from 3:30 to 6:00 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, N. Geneva St, Ithaca. Following the Funeral Mass, internment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception School, Ithaca NY or the Howard and Melba Nye Scholarship Fund at Newfield Central School or Hospicare of Tompkins County.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Old Hundred for their compassion,
care and friendship.
Children always brought a smile to Melba's face. In her memory, please remember to read a book to a child and give plentiful hugs.