Nancy Ruth Harnett, of Jefferson, born on Oct. 26, 1944 in Clovis, N.M., passed peacefully at home on April 5. She was born to Emerson and Ruth Swett Randall, of Sanford, and is survived by her husband of 46 years, Richard S. Harnett; children, Jenny Jones and Joshua Harnett; and granddaughter, Hailey Jones. Nancy, the oldest of seven children, is also survived by siblings, John and wife Edith Randall, June and husband Roger Guptill, Robert and wife Katrina Randall, Debra and husband Thomas Otis, Stella Pelletier, and Paul Randall and by many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Nancy graduated from Sanford High School in 1963 and received her B.S. in Primary Education from Gorham State Teachers’ College where she met her loving husband, Richard. After teaching a year in Veazie, they went to Alaska and taught in Noatak, Nome, Nulato, Glennallen, and Gakona for 10 years. While in Alaska, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, and flying from village to village. As a life-long learner, she would later earn her Masters in Library Science and Information Systems from the University of Rhode Island.
From 1978 until 2006, they lived in a home they built in East Waterboro where she ran a daycare, taught piano lessons, and gardened. This home on Bagley Road would grow to become a gathering place for family and friends, but it is important to remember that wherever Nancy went, happy memories were made. When her children were both in school, she returned to teaching 2nd grade in MSAD #57 for over 20 years.
In her classroom and beyond, Nancy loved sharing music with others. For many years, she was the organist for the Limerick and Newfield Congregational Churches. After moving to Jefferson to be near their children, Nancy quickly became the organist for the Round Pond and New Harbor United Methodist Churches for several months, as well as the Broad Bay Congregational Church for two years.
Nancy loved being surrounded by her family and friends, taking trips and camping with them. She was an avid reader, puzzle solver, and game player. You could always count on her for a new book recommendation. She loved sharing with loved ones things that she had sewn, crocheted, and crafted.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sat., April 12 at Broad Bay Congregational Church, 941 Main St., Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Broad Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 161, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
