Nancy H. Landas

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Nancy Landas Loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at age 80. After graduating from Perry High School, she attended Geneseo University to study secondary education. She graduated with honors and spent the majority of her 32 year teaching career at Indian River Central High School in Philadelphia, New York. She earned her Master’s Degree from Potsdam College all while teaching full time. Nancy made a difference in countless students’ lives by sharing her love of reading, her contagious smile, and belief that all students can learn. Nancy was an avid traveler, loved shopping, knitting, reading, parties, the theater, and games. After retiring from her career, she poured her love and energy into her grandchildren and volunteered for the Greece Eccumenical Food Shelf and the Garden Club. She was always ready to share her smile and positive attitude with anyone she encountered. Nancy’s love of travel took her to many places including driving across the country on Route 66 with her best friend Ro Bradt, traveling extensively in Europe, taking several cruises including to Jamaica, Cancun, and Alaska, and visiting numerous states across the country. Nancy was preceded in death by her foster father, Hy Bean; father, Whitney Hocking; mother, Treva Plank; beloved brother in law, John Baart. She is survived by her sister, Penny Baart; brother and wife, Whitney and Linda Hocking; former husband, Mark Landas; foster mother, Shirley Bean; foster sisters, Rhonda Hendershot and Cherylynne (Cherie) Lee; foster brother, Eric Bean; three sons and their wives, Nyle and Stacey Landas, Tyler and Diana Landas, Brandon and Kristina Landas; daughter and husband, Marquelle and Shawn Adkins; foster daughter and husband, Leslie and Frank Kelly; her nine grandchildren, Aldyn and Daltyn Landas, Vaughn and Viola Landas, Chloe and James Landas, Zachary and Cheyenne Adkins, Janel Kelly DiTondo; many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf, Attention Treasurer, 500 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14616. Services held Privately.

50 Comments

  1. Betty Smith on January 17, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    Prayers and thoughts to the family.



  2. Sue Marra on January 17, 2021 at 10:11 pm

    Penny and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our loss is Heavens gain but still so hard. The gift to Nancy is no more pain. You are in our hearts and prayers. Nancy was a friend who always displayed a smile. It was our pleasure to have known her. Sue and Phil



  3. Terry Drake on January 18, 2021 at 1:22 am

    Dear Landas Family, My husband and I, former IRCSD students from the late sixties early 70’s, send our deepest regards in the death of your mother/grandmother. Her bright smile could light up a room. She was a gracious and beautiful soul. May the fond memories you all shared bring you strength and peace.



  4. Anna Sullivan on January 18, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    To a lovely woman, both inside and out. You will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace. Anna & Gerry Sullivan



  5. Tammy Herbst on January 18, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to the Landas Family at this difficult time.



  6. Cate on January 18, 2021 at 11:18 pm

    There are no words. Much love to you all.



  7. Christa Landas on January 18, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    On behalf of our family, I want to express our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Just this past December, your mom sent an update to my parents about all of her children….yes, no matter how old you get, you’re still “the kids.” My parents really enjoyed hearing from Nancy and the opportunity to catch up on your lives. Your mom was extremely proud of you. While years have passed by and distance separates us, we hope you know you’re in our hearts not only at this difficult time but always. May your memories give you comfort, Victor and Alta Landas, Vicki Artis, Christa Landas



  8. Kathy Goodwin on January 18, 2021 at 11:31 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was the only teacher who could get me to do anything she wanted me to do. I had total and unwavering respect for her. Randy and Kathy Goodwin



  9. Molly Wyatt on January 18, 2021 at 11:39 pm

    Landas & Adkins families, We share your grief in the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, wife & friend. She was, indeed, sunshine personified. We were so lucky to be your neighbors & friends. We ask that God grant you all peace and comfort during this difficult time and know that you have a lifetime of beautiful memories to carry you forward. All our love & hugs, Molly Liston- Wyatt Grant, Logan & Grayson



  10. Rebecca Bushaw on January 19, 2021 at 12:02 am

    Dear Landas Family. My husband and I, former IRCS students,in the 70’s, send our condolences to you all. Nancy was an outstanding teacher and cared about her students. Nancy always made sure everyone felt special. May the memories of your mother/grandma, sister, and friend comfort you all. God Bless Randy and Rebecca Bushaw



  11. Ashby family on January 19, 2021 at 12:58 am

    So sorry for your loss. We didn’t know her well, but liked her. She was always friendly and funny. A very nice lady.



  12. Tami Tupper on January 19, 2021 at 1:03 am

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  13. Jennie Verne on January 19, 2021 at 1:26 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She always had a smile for everyone. She was always willing to help know matter how small. She will be missed. I know my mom will miss her. She has so many many memories of Nancy.



  14. Deborah L Papin on January 19, 2021 at 2:09 am

    My sincere condolences to the whole Landas family. Nancy was a wonderful person, teacher, and mentor. She loved her students and reached those whom others could not. She led the English department for many years and was a support and inspiration to all of us. She loved talking about her children and grandchildren and took such joy in them. She made a difference in so many lives and she will be missed.



  15. Judy and Rick on January 19, 2021 at 2:39 pm

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  16. Cherylynne Lee on January 19, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    My Sister, my friend. You will be missed beyond words. RIP



  17. Karen Marie Eckert on January 19, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss I love so much I had her for teacher three years I am going to missed her Karen Marie Eckert and Ella Eckert



  18. Tammy Goodman-Davis on January 19, 2021 at 5:19 pm

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  19. Pam Daniels on January 19, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I have the utmost respect for you mother/ grandmother. I am a former student at IRCS and graduated in ’71. She was the nicest teacher and always had a smile for everyone. She attended most of our class of 1971 reunions with lively stories of our school and her trips. She will be fondly remembered.



  20. Tracy Morse linton on January 19, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    My deepest Sympathy goes out to everyone and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting her. She was my inspiration and always knew the right words to to say. To say she will be missed is an understatement. Fly high…..



  21. Mindy Kavanaugh Whitmore on January 19, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    Mrs.Landas attended our 40th Class Reunion and her former students were so happy to see her. She was a great teacher,fair but firm.She will be truly missed.



  22. Kathryn Farr on January 19, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    Mrs. Landas inspired in me a life-long love of writing correctly and reading, both of which have served me well personally and professionally. As a seventh grader, I was intimidated by her because she was clearly so intelligent; as an adult, I came to realize that she had a phenomenal (and sometimes a tad wicked?) sense of humor. My condolences to you on the loss of such a gifted woman.



  23. Rick Greene on January 19, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    “Always an Adventure!” Twas late Fall, nineteen hundred and seventy-three, next to the last room on the right at the end of the “little school” hallway heading hurriedly from the hallowed stacks of the IRCHS library. Three of us making our 8th grade acting debuts inspired and motivated to the hilt presented Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn” to an open house audience. Cindy Neuroth (‘77) was no doubt, Becky Thatcher and Jim Hall and I (‘77) were the other two title characters, albeit supporting to Cindy’s performance! I’ve forgotten who was Huck and who was Tom, but given Mrs. Landas’ impeccable judge of aptitude and empathy, I’m guessing Jim Hall was Tom! We performed the acts where Becky and Tom are outrunning Joe in the caves countless times that day to what seemed like deafening applause each time. What was real was Mrs. Landas’ ear to ear smile every time. Even more real was the indelible lifetime impact she made on each of us! She attended our 40th reunion in 2017, along with 5-6 other faculty colleagues which absolutely made our weekend. Thank you, Mrs. Landas, for everything. Rick, Class of ‘77



  24. Laurie Gifford on January 19, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    So very sorry of hearing of Nancy’s passing She will be greatly missed. She always had such a great smile on her face no matter where or when she met you. RIP Nancy, God has gained an angel.



  25. Lynn Schweinsberg on January 19, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. Nancy was a lovely woman and I am blessed to have known her and experienced her kindness toward my family during some very difficult times. She has gone home to be with the Lord, where she is surely happily tending to some flowers. I am fortunate to have known her. Lynn (Rhone) Schweinsberg, Class of ‘76.



  26. Polly McCubbin on January 19, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    Nancy was one of the most giving people I have ever known. I met her through the Food Shelf and I am so glad for having known her.



  27. Jayne (Fuller) Clark on January 19, 2021 at 10:42 pm

    Mrs. Landas saved me. Her love of English and her students helped me transition from a student just getting by, flying under the radar to a young women with confidence and hope. She was my favorite teacher and I was blessed to connect with her on several occasions after high school. She truly was a gift from God and will be greatly missed! Condolences for the loss of Nancy.



  28. Jodie Bowden on January 19, 2021 at 11:53 pm

    I’m do sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family. Your mom was a angle to many people. She will be greatly missed.



  29. Terry and Barb McKeever on January 20, 2021 at 1:32 am

    Our heartfelt sympathy to the Landas family. My husband loved Nancy as a teacher, and I was blessed to have her as a mentor. We were also fortunate to have her as a neighbor for many years. When our boys heard the sad news, our youngest son said he would always remember Mrs. Landas because she handed out the best candy on Halloween and was always nice. Hopefully, these shared memories and knowing how much Nancy was loved will help with your loss.



  30. Phillip and Ann Gilchrist on January 20, 2021 at 1:39 am

    To the Landas family our deepest sympathy. My husband and I were students of Mrs. Landas of the mid 70s. She was truly an inspiration to us! I always admired her. She was classy and shared her love of English with all of her students!



  31. Kelly Hall on January 20, 2021 at 2:12 am

    Nancy was one of the best. She inspired her students to do their best. Many times I have written an email or message to someone and would hear her in the back of my mind telling me I had phrased or misspelled something. She will be missed by all who knew her.



  32. Cheyenne E. Adkins on January 20, 2021 at 5:06 am

    Love and miss you grandma



  33. Cheryl on January 20, 2021 at 5:23 am

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  34. Karen Morrow on January 20, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    My sincerest condolences to Nancy Landas’s family and friends. Nancy will be missed….She was a wonderful teacher and mentor to so many; including myself. RIP Nancy…



  35. Gloria Collins on January 20, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    To Landas & Adkins Family, Thinking of you and wishing you strength, love and fond memories to help you through this difficult time of loss. Your Mom was a long time neighbor and true friend. I am thankful for having known her. When I think of Nancy I will always see her infectious smile. She will be sorely missed. With Deepest Sympathy, Gloria Collins



  36. Valerie Sestir on January 20, 2021 at 8:32 pm

    To the Landas family, I was honored to have been part of the Indian River High School faculty for many years along with Nancy. She was so pleasant and caring, always with a smile for everyone. Her contributions and impact on IR, students and staff included, is immeasurable. Sending you all my deepest condolences.



  37. Bonnie Salisbury Hays on January 21, 2021 at 1:16 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Nancy was one of my favorite teachers at IR. She always had a smile and kind word for everyone.



  38. Susan Drake Jenne on January 21, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    Nyle, Tyler, Brandon and Marquelle, Your mother truly was one of the teachers who made a difference in my life. I am sorry she has passed on. Susan Drake Jenne



  39. Sharon Pratt on January 21, 2021 at 4:28 pm

    I was deeply saddened to read of your families loss of Nancy. We are part of PCS class of 1958 and I have such nice memories from when our family lived across the street on Borden Ave to when she moved to Beans. We all went off to college, but kept in touch with birthday cards and emails and a visit or 2. I will miss her. Most sincerely Sharon Wallace Pratt



  40. Joyce M Nicholas on January 21, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    Nancy was a wonderful person, a talented and caring teacher. Her spirit will live on through her students and her friends. She will be missed.



  41. Suzanne Rose Waybright on January 22, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    What a beautiful soul always



  42. Sheila Callahan on January 23, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    Such an awesome lady! Her kind giving heart always showed. I was so glad she was my neighbor when I first moved to Philadelphia. She was one of the first people I met here. My husband and I were truly sadden when we learned of her passing. I so enjoyed reading her posts on Facebook. And although I didn’t work with her at IR, former faculty and students have such awesome words about her. The world has lost a true gem. Sheila Callahan



  43. Tanya Wiggert on January 23, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    I will miss you very much aunt Nancy. I am so glad to be able to spend the time that I did with you. I am so sorry for your loss. Tanya Wiggert



  44. John Wayne Johnston on January 23, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Nancy truly is the epitome of the Henry Adams quote of a fine educator. With Love and a lifetime of fond memories. – Thumper & family



  45. Jim Collins on January 23, 2021 at 11:47 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a big part of my formative years and I’m mourning with you.



  46. The Ortiz Family on January 24, 2021 at 4:18 am

    Godmother Aunt Nancy will always have happy memories in our hearts. We are all so lucky to have such a kind sweet lady in our lives . Taken way too soon . We will see you again someday .



  47. Craig Thornton on January 25, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    I was so sorry to hear about this. Nancy was a terrific friend to my late mother Christina Thornton, and she also supported my playwriting and theater career by attending every production of mine that she was able to, sometimes driving long distances. In 2016 she attended a production in both Watertown and Rochester ( of different plays). She was always upbeat and encouraging. Her support for the arts in general was exceptional. She will always be appreciated for that. My best to her children and family. Craig Thornton



  48. Gina Sourwine on February 1, 2021 at 6:58 pm

    You will always have a smile on your watching us all on earth. You showed live to all. God bless Nancy.



  49. Malcom Capanna on April 16, 2021 at 5:28 am

    Very good site,thank so much for your effort in writing the posts.



  50. Tracey Dobbins on April 18, 2023 at 8:31 pm

    Nancy was the best neighbor we ever had! When we moved to California, we had tears, hugs and a beer over the fence. Nancy even came out to Lake Tahoe California to see our daughter Hannah get married. She loved to travel and be with people. Zach and Cheyenne loved playing with our kids when they would came to visit Grandma. Very sad to know that she has passed but know she is in Heaven with God and doing even more travels! Thank you for sharing her with us much love the Dobbins family.



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