Dunning Elementary Librarian Nancy Serkez, 55, Lost Battle With Cancer

Beloved Dunning Elementary School librarian Nancy E. (Fogel) Serkez, 55, of Framingham, died on Saturday May 31, 2014, after a battle with colon cancer.

Dunning Elementary Principal Kim Taylor sent an email to the Dunning staff and parents on Saturday afternoon. 

"As many of you know, she was suffering from Stage 4 Colon Cancer, and has been ill for the majority of this school year. The Charlotte Dunning Community has lost a true family member in Nancy, and are keeping her husband, Brett, and son, Ian, in our thoughts and prayers," wrote Taylor. "Attached is a letter that Nancy asked to be shared with her Dunning family when this day arrived."
She wrote:

First of all, thank you for the magnificent cards.  They are my new wallpaper.  They cover my house.

I completed many years of service at Dunning.  Kids who finished kindergarten my first year are now in high school. 

Some of the best times of my life were spent at Dunning. In September 1997 my son started his first day at Dunning. I had to peel myself away from the kindergarten window that first day. I came to know that Ian was safe, each day that he was there.

Staff was always wonderful, and I hope it will continue to be that way.  I am quite pleased with how well Karen May is filling my shoes at the library.

I’ve truly appreciated the parents who have volunteered over the years, many of whom become friends. I also appreciate the new parents who have volunteered this year, although I am sorry I never got to know you.

You students brought me smiles in many ways; when I saw a smile on your face behind a book. Or when you said excitedly, “Hey, look at this!” while pointing at something in a book.  I loved it when you made a connection in a book to your real life. 

Remember, you never have to leave the comfort of a library chair to find the wonder of the whole world, if you find a good book.