Some residents may know Nancy Duggan as their tall, affable neighbor with an easy-going demeanor and dry wit. But to most of us, she is renowned for her uniquely beautiful voice, which takes wing and soars at any music event.
During the occasional afternoon social, Nancy has even accompanied herself on the guitar, much to the delight of fellow residents.
In a nod to her Celtic heritage, Nancy is especially partial to Irish music, and knows the lyrics to even the most obscure Gaelic tunes.
She is a top-notch trivia participant, creates impressive acrylic paintings in art class and – with a good-natured grin — feigns a take-no-prisoners approach to gin rummy.
Nancy loves live theater, and jumps at any opportunity to attend a show. Most recently, she joined several fellow residents – theater-lovers all – to catch a local performance of Les Miserables, and was enthralled by the production.
Her passion for music and theater was ignited as a student at Concord High School, where Nancy sang in the chorus, and appeared in productions of A Christmas Carol and Fiddler on the Roof.
A stellar student, Nancy’s name was a fixture on the Honor Roll, and she was a National Honor Society member.
Athletically, she was a standout field hockey and softball player, and as a forward on the basketball team scored a school-record 25 points in a game!
Nancy was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, the lone female in a group of 17 honorees from the 1950 – 59 induction class.
Nancy went on to attend UMass-Amherst where she earned a B.A. in English, paving the way for a 42-year career as an English teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School. Nancy later earned Master’s Degrees in English, and Guidance and Counseling, from Boston College.
At Old Rochester she coached the school’s girls’ tennis team to a remarkable 94-6 record over 10 seasons , notching numerous league titles along the way. She also made time to coach field hockey, compete in student-faculty basketball games and play softball in adult leagues.
Nancy had a full life outside of school, too, where longtime friends still know her as more than a teacher and athlete.
Nancy is “Witty, wise and a world-traveler,” according to Janice Moody, Nancy’s friend of 50 years.
Janice can certainly attest to the “world-traveler” moniker, having visited countless faraway destinations with Nancy and their circle of friends.
Whether exploring sunny Tuscany or golfing in Ireland, leading a sing-along in Italy or skiing in New Hampshire, Nancy was the quintessential happy voyager and travel companion.
One of her most recent trips was to Scotland, where Nancy – an avid golfer – played the venerable Old Course at St. Andrews, where the game originated 600 years ago.
Since her retirement in 2001, Nancy has enjoyed more free time for travel, theater and especially golf. Upon occasion, Nancy has combined her teaching skills with her penchant for golf.
“She taught me how to play [golf],” said Michelle Roy, another of Nancy’s long-time friends and a frequent visitor. “It was the first and only time I hit the green on my first shot!”
