Ann Ellen (“Nancy”) Paine, 81, died at her home on Jan. 24. Nancy was born July 21, 1937, in Lawrence, Mass., to James and Margaret (Murphy) Jordan. She grew up in Lawrence, and was educated at St. Patrick’s School, Lawrence High School (Class of 1954), and Lowell State Teachers College (Class of 1958). For 50 years she was the wife and inseparable companion of Wilbur J. Paine, Jr., and together they raised three children. Nancy was an elementary school teacher in Shelburne Falls, Mass., before moving to Brunswick in 1970. She taught for many years in the Woolwich Central School before retiring from teaching in 1990. After retirement, Nancy and Bill lived in Florida during the winter months and returned to Damariscotta Lake in Maine each summer. They loved the lake, and when Nancy returned to Brunswick as a permanent resident after Bill’s death she continued to find joy in time spent there with her friends and family.
Nancy’s big heart, ready smile and playful spirit brightened the lives of all who knew her. She was gifted with an ability to find the fun in any situation and to bring out the best in the people around her. She never met a child who she did not think was special, and was always thrilled to connect with her many former students; she remembered each one. Nancy gave of herself easily and generously, and the love and warmth she shared is irreplaceable. In her later years she was especially grateful for the daily company of her daughter and granddaughters, and of a close-knit group of peers who shared her sense of humor and zest for living.
Nancy is survived by her children, Don Smith and wife Corrine of Erving, Mass., William Paine and wife Margaret of Winchester, Mass., and Mary Leeman and husband Al of Bailey Island; grandchildren, David, Nichole, Kevin, Justin, Hannah, Lauren, David Jordan, and Susannah; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Layne, Elizabeth, Carly, Kyler and Ashton; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Thomas Maccarone of Merrimack, Mass.; brother and sister-in-law, James and MaryAnne Jordan of Valencia, Penn.; and many nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., April 6 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Please RSVP for the luncheon to follow at whpaine61@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Nancy’s lifetime commitment to children’s education, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/NotreDameHighSchoolLawrenc/AnnualFundAppeal-1-2-1-1.html), in Lawrence, Mass.
