Nancy C. Prajzner

Nancy C. Prajzner

1951-2025

World traveler, journalist, and trailblazer, Nancy Prajzner of Southampton made her final journey on September 10, 2025. Born on February 21, 1951, Nancy grew up in Chicopee and was a member of the Class of 1969 at Chicopee High School. There, she played basketball and softball and wrote for the school newspaper.

In 1973, after graduating from UMass, Amherst where she majored in history and journalism, Nancy joined the staff of the Holyoke Transcript as an editor and then she was hired by the Springfield Newspapers. Her journalism career spanned nearly four decades and in Springfield included stints as Night City Editor, next moving to Sports Copy Desk, and finally serving there as lead Anchor. In these capacities, she navigated male pushback as a female in traditionally – occupied male positions.

Besides covering local and professional golf tournaments for the Springfield Newspapers, Nancy was an avid golfer herself. In fact, Nancy rarely sat still. You could find her hiking a local trail, riding her bicycle, or walking for a cause. Her love of the outdoors led her to write Natural Wonders of Massachusetts: A Guide to Parks, Preserves & Wild Places and to co-write Skiing the Pioneer Valley: Cross-Country Ski Centers, Backcountry Touring, and Downhill Ski Areas. “Venture Out” her weekly column encouraged others to do just that.

Nancy never encountered a city, state, or country that didn’t hold some attraction for her. She visited all 50 states and many foreign countries, sightseeing and snapping pictures. Nancy lived life to the fullest, whether it was touring the Panama Canal, sipping a Banana Hammock cocktail on St. John, or taking in a Florida sunset. As a season ticket holder, she cheered on the Springfield Thunderbirds and enthusiastically rooted for the Bruins and Red Sox. She had a special interest in President Carter, attending both his 100th birthday celebration in Plains, GA and his lying-in-state in Washington, D.C.

Being a person of strong Catholic faith, she made pilgrimages to Fatima, Lourdes, and Spain. In June of this year, she hiked over 100 miles on El Camino de Santiago. Nancy was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Chicopee where she observed First Fridays, Holy Days, and weekly Mass.

Nancy would never say no to an ice cream cone, a roll of Smarties, or a good Polish beer, often attending Polka festivals and raising a glass. Snoopy cartoons always brought on a smile.

She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Irene (Zajac), Prajzner, her beloved sister Patricia, and close friend Deb Romanski. She is survived by her aunt, Elizabeth A. “Betty” St. Laurent of Chicopee, numerous cousins, and many other close friends.

All are invited to meet for Nancy’s Funeral Mass on Thursday September 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 56 St. Anthony St. Chicopee, MA followed by burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Per Nancy’s request, there will be no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St., Chicopee, MA 01013. To leave an online expression of sympathy for the family, please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com