Obituary of Nancy Alden Spencer

Nancy Alden (Coit) Spencer passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 with her loving family. Born on January 31, 1933 in Lowell, Massachusetts, Nancy was the daughter of the late Vivian (Vaughan) and Leicester Coit. She grew up in Framingham and Hopkinton, Massachusetts and kept her American citizenship when she moved to Canada. She spent her summers in St. Martin's, NB with her big sister Janice and her grandparents Jane and Simon Vaughan, even coming up during World War II.

 

Nancy Spencer was a wonderful lady: kind, compassionate, loving, very smart, quick-witted, hard-working and very well-liked. She always put her family first, and she helped others, even those she did not know. Nancy was an avid reader who could speed through a book in a couple of days. When she was in the world of Agatha Christie, she was in her happy place.

 

Nancy played the piano and the guitar. At Framingham High, she played flute in the school marching band, and played field hockey. Nancy graduated from Acadia University with an English degree. That is where she met her husband of 53 years, Gerald Ronald Spencer. Nancy and Gerald lived in Halifax and Port Hawkesbury, NS, and LaSalle and Shawinigan, QC, finally settling in Saint John, NB, where they raised their family.

 

Nancy studied physiotherapy at McGill, and completed almost all of her BEd at UNB. A dedicated educator and a lifelong learner, Nancy was director and teacher for the West Side Cooperative Preschool. She later taught handicrafts with veterans at Ridgewood Veterans Wing.

 

An avid volunteer, Nancy was active with the University Women’s Club, playing a large role in their annual book sale. In her eighties, she volunteered as a church secretary, volunteered at a senior’s centre, went to exercise classes, joined a choir, made crafts for veterans, and learned to play the ukulele.

 

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Ronald Spencer, her sister, Janice Anderson, brother-in-law, Richard Spencer, and grandchild, Nicholas. Nancy is survived by her children: Jane (Andre) Beaudoin, Peter (Donna) Spencer, and Carol Ann (Mike) Melvin. She leaves behind in-laws, Doreen Spencer, Murray (Margaret) Spencer, and Priscilla Jean (late Romaine) O’Neil; grandchildren, David Green, Sarah Green, Natasha James, Ryan Gertridge, Victoria Beaudoin, and Levi Beaudoin; great-grandchildren, Carly James and Ava James; as well as beloved nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States. 

 

Thank you to Mike Clarke for his excellent medical care. Thank you to the extramural staff, as well as Mike and Carol Ann, who allowed her to remain at home until her passing.

 

Nancy is resting at McAdams Funeral Home. As per Nancy's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family service and interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the New Brunswick Lung Association.