Nancy J. (Gaida) Hawley
Jun 19, 1950 -
Aug 19, 2026
Nancy Hawley passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Aug. 19, 2026, in Altoona, Pa., surrounded by her family and loving husband Richard.
She was born June 19, 1950, to John and Caroline Gaida in the small coal mining town of Colver, Pa., where she attended elementary school and then attended and graduated from Central Cambria High School in Ebensburg, Pa., in 1968. After graduation she went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C., while living in Arlington, Va. It was there, in 1970, that she met the love of her life, Richard Hawley, whom she married on March 24, 1973. During the next 20 years they moved numerous times while Richard was serving as a career Army Officer, finally settling in Eagle River, Alaska. As a result of these moves, she got the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty, history and culture of, not only many parts of America, but also those of many other countries. During all those moves she continued her own Federal Government career retiring after over 37 years of service.
Early in their marriage Nancy wanted a dog, and they got a golden retriever. That started a lifetime of love for goldens, and for the rest of her life there was always one or more goldens in her home. They were not only pets and family members, but she also trained and showed them in various American Kennel Club events, winning numerous titles. She was also an outstanding cook and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes knowing that her husband was willing to try nearly anything. Friends and neighbors always looked forward to her dishes whenever she was attending any potluck meal or event. Nancy also developed a passion and expertise for sewing and quilting. She has made numerous quilts of various patterns and provided each of her siblings with some. In addition, she would make fleece dog beds and donate them to the local animal shelter. She was also an ardent volunteer and provided her skills to a number of nonprofit organizations. Her husband and her golden retrievers were her greatest source of pride and deepest joy.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Hawley; sisters, Margaret Manion of Culpepper, Va., and Betty Ann Burry of Alden, N.Y.; brothers, Eugene Laskowski of Dripping Springs, Texas, and John Gaida of Colver, Pa.; golden retrievers, Riley and Brooke; and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Caroline Gaida; and sister, Mary (Gaida) Hughes.
Her life was celebrated with a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Sisters of St. Ann Chapel, 1120 N Center Street in Ebensburg, followed by a short ceremony at the Holy Name Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg.
