1936 - 2006

Nancy Greig Nance, 70 of Newport RI, formally of Wayland, MA died unexpectedly Thursday March 2, 2006 at Newport Hospital. She was born in Boston on January 30, 1936. She is the daughter of the late James S. Greig and Ann Couts Higgins.

She grew up in Brookline, Ma where she graduated from Brookline High School in 1954. She then went on to MIT where she received a full scholarship for Math. She attended MIT for two years where she met and married Jack B Nance Jr and started a family in Aug. 1956. She attended one more semester before devoting herself fulltime to being a mother. After having four children she returned to school and received her degree in Russian Studies from Harvard University.

During the 60's and 70's she worked at home translating Russian Physics Papers for various think tanks so she could still devote her time to her four children which were her passion. She was the mother that was always involved.

Her other passion was breeding and showing Airedale Terriers and French Bull Dogs. She bred and showed to Champion several dogs. She is the past President of the Concord Dog Training Club, Concord, MA, and a board member of the New England Terrier Club where she was still very active with meetings and stewarding at shows. She ran a kennel in Stow, MA for ten years before retiring to Newport in 1998.

In her retirement she fell in love with Newport. She worked at the Newport Art Museum and made many good friends. Their friendship gave her the confidence to be herself and enjoy the last years of her life. Thank you to all.

She was the mother of four children: Bruce A Nance and his wife Suzi of Middletown RI; Christopher A Nance and his wife Jean of Woburn MA; Timothy A Nance and his wife Sharon of Bourne MA; and Laura A Messer and her husband Michael of Merrimack NH. She was the grandmother of nine. She is survived by the only sister she ever knew, Valerie Brown of Bolton MA.

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Donations In Memory of Nancy Greig Nance

• Joan B. Klaserner
  In memory of Nancy Greig Nance, a great lady
• Newport Art Museum
  We would like to make this donation in honor of Nancy Greig Nance.
  Nancy was a much loved member of our staff at Newport Art Museum. She loved to share her stories about Airedales. It was one thing we knew would always bring a smile to her face.
  We will all miss Nancy a great deal but hope this donation will bring some joy into the lives of some of the dogs in need. This would mean a great deal to Nancy.
• Michael Sauta
  Please accept this donation in memory of Nancy Nance.
• Mary Jennings
  Please accept this donation in memory of Nancy Nance.
• Beverly J. Mentzer
  In memory of Nancy Nance
• Margaret Anderson
  It was an honor to be Nancy's friend.
• Tim, Sharon, Ari & Bailey
  Mom, You will always be in our hearts.
• Regina & Charles Foley
• Marcy Reed & Robert Weibezahl
• Starr & Ronald Maxwell
• Arlene Moles
  The enclosed check is in memory of my friend, Nancy Nance. We took ceramics together at the Newport Art Museum. I watched her sculpture those beautiful Airedales. I firmly believe she could do it with her eyes closed. She knew those dogs so well. What a person she was! I'll never forget her laugh.
• Valerie Brown
  Enclosed donation in memory of Nancy Nance. Nancy was my long time and much loved friend of 59 years. She loved her Airedales. I miss her.
• Dorothy Lock Goldsworthy
• Airedale Terrier Club of New England
  Please accept our donation to National Airedale Rescue, Inc. in memory of our friend and member Nancy Nance
• Elizabeth Moloney
  Enclosed please find a donation given in memory of my dear friend, Nancy Nance. I know Nancy would want your good work to continue
• Honey Loring, Founder, Camp Gone to the Dogs, Putney, Vermont.
  I met Nancy over 20 years ago when I bought my first Airedale Champagne. She loved those dogs so. Though active in the show ring, those dogs were not just ego extensions, as they are for many. And Nancy was a rare bird in that she was never one to say bad things about other breeders. She was so good-hearted, with a ready laugh. And what a depth of knowledge about dogs. We had so many good times, sharing dog stories and life stories, often times around eating a good meal out. An understated amazing woman whom I will miss greatly.
• Tracey A. Brown
  This donation is in behalf of Nancy (Annie) Nance - my mother's best friend, my second mother, who died March 2, 2006. She loved animals and once she got introduced to Airedales, she was hooked and became very active in breeding, showing, grooming and even judging events.
  With Mother's Day approaching, I am remembering her - knowing how hard this day is going to be for her 4 children.

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