Nancy Jane Rideout

Nancy was born on January 27, 1946, in Lewiston, Maine, and was the daughter of the late Dwight Rideout and Eileen Parr Rideout. Nancy grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, and Orono, Maine, where she graduated from Orono High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in history from the University of Maine in 1968, and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Maine in 1999.

Nancy spent the majority of her career teaching middle and elementary school in Auburn and Sabattus, Maine. During the late 70s and early 80s, she took a hiatus from teaching to raise her daughters until they started school. She was a wonderful and well-respected teacher who educated hundreds of students over the years. In some cases, she even taught children of former students. She enriched the lives of so many as a teacher, colleague, and friend.

Nancy’s favorite role was mother and grandmother. There are too many memories to possibly share in such a short space, but a few highlights include: hand-making her daughters’ Halloween costumes from scratch, and taking a cake-baking class when they were young so she could custom make all of their birthday cakes. As her daughters got older, she helped them move into homes and organize their cupboards. She loved looking on Facebook marketplace anytime one of them voiced a need for something.

She doted on her grandchildren. She read with them, did crafts, baked, and provided an ever supportive and patient presence.

Her grandchildren have their own wonderful, unique memories of her. Julie loved that Grammie was her number one YouTube fan. Simon especially enjoyed that she was always up for a yummy treat or snacky snack. Felixx found Gigi to be a safe space, and it made him laugh that what he felt to be one of his most embarrassing moments on stage as Thomas O’Malley was one of Gigi’s favorites. Kendall loved playing cards with Grammie, especially fast and loud games of spit.

Nancy also loved spending time with friends: eating lobster rolls, going “upta camp” to kayak, sitting by the water, playing various word and trivia games, and taking scenic rides around Maine. She was an avid reader and was a regular at the local Lisbon Falls library. And if you ever competed against her in Words with Friends, you know she was sharp and very tough to beat.

Anyone who knew Nancy, absolutely loved her. Since her passing, people have shared what an amazing and funny person she was. She had a quick wit that often left her friends and family in hysterics. Her “Rideout humor” was unmatched. She was kind to people and animals alike. She spent many years post-retirement volunteering, including at the Spay Clinic in Topsham, visiting senior citizens, and driving patients to cancer treatments. She loved animals. After our “other sister”, Bailey, died, she adopted a senior dog and then a homeless hurricane dog from Puerto Rico.

Nancy is survived by her three heartbroken daughters; Libby Rideout of Falmouth, Alison Lavigne and her husband, Ben, of Burke Virginia, Constance Allen and her husband, Scott, of Bowdoinham; four grandchildren, Kendall and Julie, and Felixx and Simon; son-in-law, Brian Morrison of Burke, Virginia; Brother Dwight Rideout and wife, Jan, of Hampden; Sister Sue Rideout of Bangor; sister-in-law Paula Dickinson and her husband, Craig of Wells; dear friends Jill Spencer and Sue Koenig of Lisbon Falls; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends; and her dog, Sophie. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Jan Doyle, and brother-in-law, George Doyle. She was also predeceased by her many furry companions: Swanee, Bailey, Pepper, Marley, Moxie, MC, Kitty, and Chloe, who no doubt greeted her with wagging tails, all ready to curl up in her lap.

At her request, there will be no funeral, but we will hold a celebration of life later in 2025. If you are inclined to send a note to her daughters of a memory, please do so as they would love to hear more about the mark she left on the world. In lieu of flowers, please simply read a book to your grandchild, tell someone how much you love them, enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae, take a shelter dog for a walk, or spend time by the ocean…she would like that.

Our mother was a pillar of strength, kindness, and acceptance; she was our rock; our safe place; the stable ground we walked on. We will carry that love and strength inside of us always.

And Mom, we are sorry; We really tried to get this obituary written sooner, but we just couldn’t figure out how to write it. We know you’d understand that today is “close enough.” Love you mucho smoocho.

Per the families request, there will be no services at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Crosman Funeral Home | 40 Main Street Lisbon Falls, ME 04242