Nancy J. Gerbasi

A Memorial gathering for Mrs. Nancy Jean Gerbasi will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2011, 5-7pm at the Woodside Plantation Clubhouse, Aiken. Mrs. Gerbasi, 75, aka The Bead Lady of Aiken, died suddenly on Sunday October 9, 2011 at her residence.

A daughter of the late Robert Rand and Doris O'Hara Rand, She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and had moved back there before retiring to Aiken in 2002.

Nancy was a second-generation stained glass artist, developing her love of glass by watching and working with her father. In 1988, Nancy and her husband Bud relocated to Corning NY, where she learned many aspects of glass, its origins and the history of techniques. Nancy took bead-making instructions at the museum, and has been a bead maker for over 20 years. Nancy's work has been displayed in various galleries and museums and she has received many awards, including at the Aiken Center for the Arts Spring Show on three occasions. Nancy had a great respect for fine crafted jewelry, and that certainly reflected in her work. In addition to her art, her love of animals was lived out by her ongoing support of the Aiken SPCA.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Anthony E. Bud Gerbasi, Aiken; a son, Christopher Amanda Gerbasi, Huntsville, AL; two daughters, Laura Bob Sharp, Corning, NY and Deborah Lohman, Toledo, OH and a sister, Patricia McCain, Pittsburgh, PA. She is also survived by three grandchildren, twins Kristen and Katie Lohman and Anthony Enzo Gerbasi and a great grandson, Landon Lohman Douglas.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Aiken SPCA, 401 Wire Rd. Aiken, SC 29801.