November 20 1952 October 9 2022 (age 69)
Obituary Nancy Richardson, a lifelong resident of Shelburne, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 9, 2022 surrounded by her beloved husband and children. Nancy was born in Greenfield on November 20, 1952 the daughter of Alvin and Pearl (Landstrom) Churchill. She graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School and then from Westfield State (College) University with a bachelor’s degree in education Nancy met her best friend and soulmate at the Shelburne First Congregational Church’s youth group during high school. After dating for six years, Nancy and James enjoyed 47 years as husband and wife. Together they had three children. “Every day I would have a child feel special, and through my actions, each one would know how much I really care.” Her words demonstrate Nancy’s love for children which led her to a career in teaching. After graduating from Westfield State she taught locally before opting to dedicate her life to raising her children. During that time, she was also the primary support for her husband as he built his business. Nancy was an active member of her church and spent many years teaching Sunday School as well as acting as Superintendent. She returned to the classroom later in life and taught Kindergarten at Sanderson Academy and Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School until retirement. Throughout her life, Nancy was a fierce advocate for her children and students. She went above and beyond to ensure that every child got what they needed to be successful. Nancy loved to spend her days outdoors with her family. She taught her children and grandchildren to notice and appreciate even the smallest details of the natural world. Her favorite thing to teach about was the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and she enjoyed trips to Magic Wings to spend time with the butterflies. Birds and blooms were some of Nancy’s favorite things. In retirement she enjoyed tending to her gardens and creating a bird sanctuary in her yard. In her later years, her dogs were her constant companions who loved to spend time walking with her around the farm. She always made sure the animals were well fed and cared for and she spent a lot of time loving on her horse, Meadow. Nancy loved Sunday drives any day of the week, especially during spring bloom and fall foliage. In her later years Nancy and James spent a lot of time driving back roads and enjoying the beauty of their hometown. She even became James’ snowplow ride-along partner and would stay up all night to keep him company on the road. In short, Nancy lived her life for others and will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Survivors include her mother Pearl Churchill of Shelburne, her husband Jim, son Jacob (Kristin) Richardson of Colrain, daughter Alyssa (Sean) Collins of Greenfield, daughter Amber (Josh) Quinn of Shelburne, grandchildren; Seamus & Malakai Collins, Alvin, Cyrus, Zayne and Tripp Richardson, and Nova Jane Quinn, brothers Doug Churchill of Colrain and David Churchill of Corinth, ME, sisters Linda Judd of Shelburne and Arlene Mikalajczuk of Whately, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her father Alvin, Nancy was predeceased by a brother Fred Churchill. Calling hours will be Thursday, 10/13 from 6 to 8 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls. A memorial service will be held Friday, 10/14 at the First Congregational Church of Shelburne at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Mary Lyon Education Fund online at www.marylyonfoundation.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy E. (Churchill) Richardson, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Nancy E Churchill Richardson November 20 1952 October 9 2022 (age 69).
Death notice for the town of: Shelburne Falls, state: Massachusetts