Nancy Nash | Eastern North Carolina Now

Born: July 3, 1929, Died: October 15, 2018

    Nancy Maxine Hunt Nash left her earthly realm, peacefully and at home, on October 15, 2018. She was the daughter of Dr. William Bryce Hunt, and Maxine Emsley Cox Hunt.

    Nancy was born on July 3, 1929 in Lexington, N.C. where her father was both the town doctor and it's Mayor. If asked about her childhood, she would respond, "If you have seen the character "Scout" in To Kill a Mockingbird, then you know my childhood". She remained very close with her childhood friend, Becky Smith Ozment until her passing in 2014. But she often remarked that she still "talked to Becky everyday".

    Nancy attended Duke University and joined the "Tri-Delta" Sorority. Restless to leave the small town of Lexington and see the world, Nancy traveled to New York where she attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and found employment as a secretary in an advertising agency. There she met David H. Nash, fell in love, and they were married in 1956. Together, they moved to Darien, CT, Dave's hometown, and produced three children, David Jr., William (Bill) and Timothy (Tim). Dave currently lives with his wife, Karen, in Trumbull CT, Bill is in Essex Jct. VT with his fiancé Lisa Murdock, and Tim lives with his wife, Sue, in Hingham, MA. She was also "mom" to her step children, Peter, Thomas and Kathy Nash. Nancy had 5 grandchildren, Tyler Nash, Jackie Nash Gill, Amy Leigh Nash, Matthew Nash and Emily Nash. She was always proud of her children and grandchildren, often remarking that they were the highlight of her life.

    While she raised her three boys, Nancy remained active in her community, teaching less advantaged children through Head Start, or teaching flower arranging in the garden club. After successfully launching their youngest into college, Nancy and Dave moved to North Carolina, ultimately settling in the little town of Washington.

    She quickly became involved in the community, joining the Friends of the Brown Library and the Garden and Book Clubs. She continued to play tennis until age 80. She recalled that, when she joined the Friends of the Brown Library, it consisted of little more than a shoebox with people's names and addresses inside. Working with Dave, who started and ran the newsletter, she rapidly built the organization, taking the used book sale from raising $200.00 -

    $300.00 to raising over $30,000.00 for the library, and staying involved until too infirmed to continue. Several years ago she left her large home by the river and moved to The Willows, where she kept the community together with the "Friday Wine at 5" group. She was an active member of the Zion Episcopal Church.

    Nancy walked her path in life with dignity and grace, which was noticed and admired by all who met her.

    In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband in 2011, her brother Dr. William Hunt and many friends too numerous to name, and survived by many friends too numerous to name. She loved them all.

    A service and memorial will be held at the Zion Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018. A brief lunch will be served. All who knew her are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name may be made to the Friends of the Brown Library, 122 Van Norden, Washington, NC 27889.