Nancy Pulaski Obituary

Words to describe our beloved friend and cousin are "unbreakable", "untamed", "a treasured gem stone". How appropriate that the word "diamond' is derived from the meaning of those same words. Therefore this tribute is written in such a way that uses the analogy of that most precious of all natural minerals to describe a most precious and valuable person. I'm sure Nancy would approve. Nancy was a miracle of time and place, truly unique - like a snowflake, and yes, like a diamond.

To call Nancy an amateur gemologist or geologist would be an insult to her vast knowledge of the subjects. If you knew Nancy, you knew how passionate she was about gems, minerals, and what us lay persons would call plain old rocks. I can hear her voice in my ear, right now, "there is no such thing as a plain old rock! Did you know.....". She collected gems and minerals from all over the world. She knew more about these disciplines than many with applicable PhDs. Her vast minerals collection was donated to the South Carolina State Museum where it will be used for display and education of the public.

Nancy was born on July 12, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to parents Chester and Hazel (Starnes) Pulaski. She was an only child. Like a diamond, her early life refined her, giving her strength to face loss and adversity with grace. Yes, grace, the meaning behind the name Nancy. As a child, Nancy was a professional model. She graduated high school from the Brooklyn, St. Agnes Seminary in 1963 where she was a New York State Scholar. She went on to earn her Bachelors degree from New York State.

The first 'C' to describe the value of a diamond is Color. Nancy was the most pragmatic, succinct, organized person I knew. She never minced her words. She could be unfiltered or direct in conversation, but she was always truthful. Like a diamond rated on the best color aspect, there was no impurity, no ulterior motives - she just said it like it was. As a brilliant woman, she had a full and diversified career. She was employed by Morgan Stanley in New York, she owned a catering business, "Dinner for Eight", that provided fine dining in individual homes in New Jersey. She worked in the furniture business for many years. She put her passion to work when she was hired as a gemologist for Christopher's of Pawleys Island in South Carolina, a fine jewelry store.

The second 'C' is Clarity. When she met Mel Klein, she was absolutely clear that she had found her soul mate. They had a flawless relationship, one built on mutual respect and appreciation for each other's idiosyncrasies. In 2007, they left Bernard's Township in New Jersey and moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and South America, as well as Iceland. They were truly in love. They packed a lifetime of adventures (and collected minerals) in the 17 years they were together before his death in 2008.

The third 'C' is Cut. Nancy's cut gave her the ability to transmit the light. Family was important to her, and for many decades she planned and organized the bi-annual family reunions in Wise County, Virginia. She loved her extended family, and she kept in touch with cousins all over the country (Virginia, North and South Carolina, Ohio, New Hampshire, Texas, Oregon, and Montana to name a few).

The fourth 'C' is Carat, and this describes Nancy's impact or weight on those she left behind. She was a member of Duncan United Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC. She was a member of the NRA, Georgetown County Republican Women's Club and a volunteer with Tideland's Hospice. She leaves behind a step-daughter, Stephanie Wolford (Jeff) and grand-daughter Jordon of Costa Rica, and stepson Kevin Klein (Kennon) of Pacific Palisades, CA. She also leaves behind many cousins and dear friends, such as life long friend Kearn Larkin of West Virginia, Spencer Keonig of New York, and Mrs. Pat DeLeon, her trusted companion by her side until the end. Pat, our family is truly grateful. You, yourself are a diamond.

Nancy passed away on February 10, 2016 after an extended battle with incurable lung disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Hazel Pulaski, and her beloved husband Mel Klein. Memorial services will be held on March 3, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown, South Carolina. Per her wishes, she will be laid to rest next to Mel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Tideland Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 or to UVA-Wise Foundation for The Starnes-Thompson Scholarship Fund at University of Virginia's College at Wise, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293.