Nancy Carol Pratt died as she lived, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones. Born, June 14, 1938 in Marlborough, Massachusetts to parents James Allan and Ruth Saunders, Nancy was raised alongside her two baby brothers, Jimmy and David and was dearly beloved by all who knew her.
An outdoor kid, she was apt to be found running through the woods, swimming at Voses Pond or getting into some sort of mischief with the boys. Later, when more children joined the family, Nancy’s innate mothering instinct was honed. Nancy leaves behind her dear siblings Rosemary, Bobby, Debbie and Rene.
Nancy grew up in Maynard, Massachusetts and graduated from high school there in 1956. A voracious reader all through her life, school was easy for Nancy. Yet, her dreams lay with having her own family.
Her first love was Jimmy White and they married in 1958. Their lives were rich with hopes and dreams for the future. Daughter Bonnie was born first, followed by Brian and Martha, and many years later by the light of her life, baby Matthew. Wanting to raise their children in the country, they saved up their money and bought their first home, a 14-room colonial in New Durham, NH.
Always up for a picnic or a trip to the beach, Nancy was known far and wide for her sumptuous outdoor feasts. One Thanksgiving was celebrated by “Little Niagara” where the turkey had been cooked in the rocks.
True to her Scots roots, Nancy built a clan of her own. She and Jimmy were foster parents, caring for 35 special needs kids and adults over the years. They were all considered family and grew up alongside her own children. Grandchildren began arriving in 1978 and have not stopped. She adored all her “babies” and showered them with love and “buggies.” Nancy’s home was always filled with friends and family, old and new. Right up until her death, she was making new friends.
One of the highlights of Nancy’s life was her time spent as an EMT for the Center Barnstead Fire Department. She loved the camaraderie between the ambulance crew and made many new friends. She considered it a great privilege to serve the community.
After Jimmy’s passing in 1990, she fell in love with family-friend Randy (Mic) Pratt. Together, they were a formidable team and over the past 30 years have had many big adventures together. Their first, was a move across country to the Puget Sound area. Nancy loved living by the sea, where she could go to the beach every day if she wanted to.
While in Washington, Nancy could often be seen zooming around in the sidecar of Randy’s Goldwing motorcycle. Together, they bought a boat named the Manta Ray and lived aboard in Port Hadlock. She would often say her time out West was one of the happiest times in her life.
Eventually moving back to New Hampshire, Nancy lived the rest of her life in Barnstead and Loudon. Lovingly cared for by her husband Randy, together they would host big, clan gatherings right up through this past holiday season.
Our dear “Nancy”, “Nan”, “Mama”, “Nanny” leaves behind her beloved husband Mic, Children Bonnie, Brian, Martha, and Matthew, Grandchildren: Bethany, Benny, Brahm, James, Amanda, Jonathan, Brandon, Melissa, Aaliah, Kellie, Kristie Great-grandchildren: Lucette, Penelope, Everette, Elyjah, Ethan, A.J., Michael, Carlissa, Connor, Finn, and Ronin, and many, many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
She goes to join: Her Dad Jimmy Allan, her Mom Ruth Lowden, her step-mother Beverly Allan, her beloved Nana and Aunt Margaret, and her brothers Jimmy and David.
DONATIONS
Concord Regional Visting Nurse's Association30 Pillsbury St., Concord, New Hampshire 03301
St. Judes Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
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