Nancy Zurat Faye, 76, of Long Branch, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11.

Born in Pottsville, PA, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Alma (Kusilavage) and John Zurat. As the daughter of a coal miner, Nancy grew up with humble beginnings in Minersville. Her childhood was shaped by simplicity and resilience – she often recounted taking baths in a wooden tub and using an outhouse, memories that became symbols of the strength and work ethic that would define her life.

At the age of 10, Nancy’s family moved to Oceanport, NJ, when her father found better employment. She attended Wolf Hill Elementary School – the same school her granddaughter would later attend – and graduated from Shore Regional High School, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Faye. The two married soon after graduation and began building a life and family together.

As newlyweds, Nancy and Bobby moved into the family homestead in West End, Long Branch, where they welcomed their only child, Kristine. Through sacrifice and determination, Nancy worked tirelessly to support her family. In the early years, she waitressed evenings and weekends at Sirianni’s Friendly Café, where the owners and staff became a second family, offering friendship, love, and even babysitting help when needed.

Nancy’s career evolved over the years as she took on a variety of roles. She worked for Progressive Life Insurance in Red Bank and later for the Asbury Park Press as a keypunch operator – where she first discovered her knack for computers. She brought those skills to Middletown North High School, assisting with student scheduling and technology needs.

When her husband started his own business, Robert K. Faye, Inc. Plumbing and Heating, Nancy managed the books and helped run the office. Later, she worked as an executive assistant for the City of Long Branch Sewerage Authority, where she remained until her retirement – transitioning into her most cherished role: Grandma.

Nancy was deeply committed to community service. While her husband served as a volunteer fireman and fire chief for the Long Branch Fire Department, Nancy was an active and proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She especially loved marching in parades with her fellow Auxiliary members, many of whom became lifelong friends.

She found great joy in traveling and exploring new places – from tropical vacations in Jamaica and Bermuda to family trips to Disney World and cruises to exotic destinations. But no place brought her more happiness than home, surrounded by the people she loved.

Above all, Nancy cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother. Her bond with her granddaughter, Madison, was incredibly special and remained unbreakable until the very end. She also shared a close relationship with her daughter Kristine’s friends, earning the affectionate nickname “Momma Faye” – a name that reflected the warmth, wisdom, and kindness she shared with everyone she met.

Nancy is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, Robert Faye; her daughter Kristine Faye of Long Branch; her beloved granddaughter Madison Faye McGeddy; her sister Gloria Lukaszek; and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, September 15, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 101 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch. A committal service will follow on Wednesday, September 17, at 10:30 AM at Woodbine Cemetery & Mausoleum, Oceanport.

For messages of condolence or to share a favorite memory of Nancy, please visit her tribute page at www.Woolley-Boglioli.com.