Nancy R. Lange
Posted By Direct Cremation of the Seacoast On February 9, 2017 @ 8:39 am In | 21 Comments
On February 8, 2017, after a four month fight with an aggressive form of cancer – our beloved Nancy R. Lange passed peacefully from this world to the next with her family surrounding her. Nancy lived her 73 years to the fullest – embracing life as a wonderful wife, loving mother, caring daughter/sister/cousin, as well as a passionate teacher, artist, gardener, singer, and antique/thrift shopper.
Nancy’s spirit is carried on by her loving husband Jonathan, 8 children (4 daughters and 4 stepchildren) and 17 grandchildren; Carolyn Lange (sons Matt and Greg), Jonathan Lange (wife Danielle, daughters Alexandra, Taylor, Carly and Kirsten), Andrew Lange (wife Helen, children Aiden and Morgan), Lorne Murphy (daughters Sophia, Ysobel and Magdalena Echevario), David Lange (wife Annemarie, children Kieran, Simon and Evelyn), Melissa Murphy, Erin Murdach (husband Charlie, children Maxwell, Madigan and McKinley) and Amanda Lange along with Nancy’s adored sister, Isabella Draper (husband Bob) and cherished sister-in-laws Lynn Raiser and Josie Seymour and many much-loved nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Nancy was born and raised in New York, NY. In her 20s she travelled to beautiful exotic places as a TWA Flight attendant. She loved to meet people and befriend them with her love of life, contagious laugh, and unassuming charm. Nancy and Jonathan met eachother on April 18, 1980, and they quickly fell in love, were married soon after and have loved each other for 34 long, happy, busy and full years. They celebrated the birth of Amanda, and a year later their second anniversary with “the trip of their lives” to Egypt and Santorini, Greece with Jonathan’s sister Julie and her husband Parker Hall.
Nancy’s free-spirited joyfulness matched her deep heart and clear opinions. She taught her children to be brave and warm. Almost all of Nancy’s children adopted her penchant for all kinds of tears – happy, sad and inexplicably timed ones. She loved antique hunting auctions and garage sales, and over the years she often pulled over her car (full of kids) on hot summer days (or in pouring rain) to “see if there is anything good.” She was the first one on a dance floor…and was usually the last to leave… and she brought us all so much joy with her signature dance move (dip, sway, shuffle, shuffle, snap, clap and whistle)… And needless to say, her beautiful legs are still talked about.
She brought grace, joy and beauty to all parts of her life and to all the places she called home; New York, Connecticut, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Vermont, Florida, but especially to her and Jonathan’s home on Lake Champlain in Willsboro, NY. Nancy loved and decorated her life with art in all forms. Her house was a testament of her design sense and impatience; as over the years she would often spontaneously re-arrange her interiors without waiting for help, even to move the big furniture.
In 2006, at 63 years old, Nancy earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts from Johnson State College. As a watercolor painter, she saw and experienced the world as a beautiful soft canvas. Her deep connection with nature grew in her summer gardens, and her singing (whether in church or at home) will be remembered for her lilting and operatic arias…even while singing to pop music!
Nancy has now joined her parents (Victor and Edris), older brother (Vic), Sister and Brother-in-Law (Julie and Parker Hall) and Mother-in-law (Barbara) along with the many family dogs, cats, birds and goats she loved so deeply. Family gatherings will never be the same, without her big breakfasts, joy from soaking in the sun, and love of playing in the lake with her grandchildren. She is eternally loved and will be unendingly missed by everyone.
Nancy was dedicated to her faith and various local/national organizations helping those in need, especially children, and the environment. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Willsboro Congregational Church, Nature Conservancy or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences for the family of “Nancy R. Lange”
The Lange family has lost a very lovely lady, What a joy it is having known her, so sad. Harvey and Barb Hallberg
To al the Lange Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Many thoughts and prayers. So many found memories of you all
and Nancy at the Lake.
Tom Warner
Nancy was my soul sister I will miss her terribly. She has been a part of my life for 60 years as my dear husband, Vic’s, little sister. Nancy’s spunk, creativity, endless energy, and deep love for her family and friends knew no limits. I treasure all our times together, the happy and sad. No one ever had a better sister. I know she will visit me next February as the first robin along with her friends to eat the palm tree berries I save for them every year.
My love to everyone who loved her. I am deeply grateful that Erin, Charlie, Max, Madigan and McKinley comforted her during her journey in their home with Melissa, Amanda, and Lorne, her daughters and other members of the loving Lange family. My heat goes out to Jonathan, most of all. He was indeed the love of her life.
What a beautiful obituary! I feel so fortunate to have met Nancy over the years when she and family came to visit Isabella in Taos. With you, we celebrate her passionate embrace of life. When someone asks, “What is life for, anyway?” I can point to these words, and say, “This!”
I will miss my aunt Nancy deeply. She could laugh in a way that loosened up the world and let the light shine in.
A Beautiful remembrance of an all around Beautiful person whom I was thankful to have known if only for a short time. Nancy, thank you for your kindness and your warmth welcoming me to your world after meeting Jeff. I had anticipated getting to spend a lot more time getting to know one another and having great times together. Our time was cut short by your illness and I feel a great void. I miss you and when I look across the water towards your home I have a difficult time when I realize you are not physically there. I know you will be there in spirit and hold comfort in that thought. We have been spending time with Johnathan and will continue to do so. Jeff and I really miss you and pray you are at peace.” ❤
I miss you, Nancy. You are supposed to be sitting in your adirondack by the lake. Knitting. Talking smack. Letting me use bad words. Making me laugh. Giving me advice.
I will meet you at the lake, anyway. See you this summer. You be there.
Darby Raiser
To Jonathan and family,
I was saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the wonderful memories help you through the days ahead.
Sincerely, Gwen Broder
I have so many fond memories of Nancy and Jonathan from the Bedford Presbyterian Church. My condolences to Jonathan and his family and our prayers are with you.
Aunt Nancy,
Your unbound energy will shine through all that knew and loved you. I feel as though a piece of life has vanished from this earth. You were such an inspiration and I will always love you dearly.
Kimberly
Jonathan, We are stunned and so sorry for your loss. We missed you and Nancy the minute you moved from Redfish Cove. We always loved and will remember your cheery presence at all our Redfish Cove gatherings.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jonathan and Nancy’s family during this time of mourning. Know that you are in our hearts prayers. Nancy was a great friend here in Florida and was terribly missed when she moved north. I loved her with all my heart.
Jonathan, I am so sorry for your loss which is our loss too. I shall never forget Nancy’s impish smile. She was always such a joy to be around. I was so sad when you moved from Redfish Cove here in Florida.
Jonathan, When we first moved to Redfish and met both of you we knew we would be friends. We enjoyed seeing you in Maine. It was a privilege having known Nancy (as they say you should surround yourself with upbeat, positive people). So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathies
We were neighbors of Nancy and Jonathan’s in Bedford NH. Our youngest child Sam was born a few months after Amanda. They were soul mates for a few years. Nancy was a special friend during these years and her daughters were our babysitters. I have only seen Nancy over the years a couple times but she has always been in my heart. She did that to people. She made life long connections. I love you Nancy.
Beth and I recently heard about the death of your wife, Nancy, and wanted to extend our sincere condolences. Best regards, Rick
Mike and I are saddened to read the news of Nancy Lange’s passing in February, but smile at the beautiful story of her life . I fondly remember the gatherings at the manse when Nancy and Jonathan lived in Bedford, NH. She was a joyful and honest spirit. Our prayful thoughts are with all of her dear family.
love,
Lois Woodard
Melissa,
You and your family are in our hearts. I love your stories of growing up in your big household! Your mom raised a wonderful daughter.
We love you❤️
Katie, Fred, Lauren, Caroline and Allie
So sorry for your loss. She has left many beautiful memories to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Thankful for the lessons she taught to those who crossed her path. The tribute to her life was very loving and filled with the radiance of a life well lived.
What a beautiful obituary and remembrance! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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I am so so saddened to hear your sad news and will always remember Nancy’s laughter, warmth, love and sense of humour. Such a beautiful lady inside and out and I am grateful that I was blessed with sharing some time with her.
With love and very fond memories always.XXX