Nancy Jean Altrui, 82, Formerly of Branford

Nancy Jean Altrui, 82, formerly of Branford, died on Jan. 25. She was the wife of the late Salvatore Altrui. Nancy was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on June 19, 1929, daughter of the late Frederick Hartgen and Harriet Putnam Hartgen. She was a graduate of Branford High School’s class of 1947 and New Haven Teachers College. Nancy taught kindergarten at Harbor Street School in Branford for several years and grammar school in Guilford.

Nancy was an avid animal lover and a long time member of the Connecticut Horse Show Association (CHSA), where she won many year-end championship awards in the Road Hack Division. She also competed in the prestigious Green Mountain Horse Association's 100-mile trail ride. Her devotion to the equine world was evident through her volunteerism with the therapeutic handicapped riding program NAHRA.

Nancy volunteered with the Branford Compassion Club. In addition, she was a member of the Musical Art Society and played saxophone with the Branford Town Band for many years.

She is survived by her son Christopher, his wife Alexandra, and her two granddaughters, Stephanie and Tanya Altrui, of Branford. She is also survived by her brother, Roger Hartgen and his wife Gloria of New Hampshire; her sisters, Francis (Mrs. Charles) Skelton of Branford and Katharine Hartgen of Clinton. She was predeceased by her sister, Judy Hartgen.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 9 a.m., at St. Mary Church in Branford. Burial of her urn will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. See online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.