Nancy A. Royce

1935 - 2024

Nancy A. Royce

Chelsea, VT - Heaven gained an angel in the early morning hours of December 13, 2024, when Nancy (Kennedy) Royce, 89, of Chelsea, Vermont, passed away peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vermont. Nancy was very grateful for the 11+ year remission she was able to enjoy since her diagnosis with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. She was a beacon of light, energy and bravery to the very end, when a sudden and serious relapse took her from us.

Nancy was born on July 2, 1935, in Chelsea, the daughter of Maurice and Doris (Downing) Kennedy. She attended Chelsea Public School and upon graduation worked for the law firm of Wilson and Keyser for several years. In 1956, she married Rufus K. Royce of South Washington, Vermont, with whom she shared a very happy and loving partnership for 68 years. .

Nancy was home with her young daughters during the early years, while meticulously managing the books for Rufus's construction business. Later she enjoyed jobs within the community; perhaps her most treasured work was as a Special Education assistant at the Chelsea School. She was passionate about helping children learn and overcome their challenges through this work and also through her participation in the local Big Brother Big Sister program. Her impact was significant for some of these children as they continued to visit her through the decades and credited her with their ability to become successful, productive and happy adults. Nancy was very humble but also very proud to have made such a difference in their lives.

Nancy's faith was a cornerstone of her life and she was a dedicated member of the United Church of Chelsea for nearly 70 years. She served in many capacities including membership on the Executive and Hospitality Committees, Sunday School teacher and maintenance of church flower gardens. Nancy always opened her heart and home to family and friends. She spread warmth and love throughout her community; her innate wisdom and kindness will forever be a guiding light to her family and loved ones.

A person of many interests, talents and skills, Nancy had a sharp and curious mind and continued to be an active learner throughout her life. She loved nature, especially birds, as well as many outdoor activities and time with her family and friends. A gifted gardener, she built her summers around her enormous vegetable and flower gardens. Passersby would often stop and marvel at the displays of color and bounty of her crops. She was also an excellent cook. Over the years, her chocolate peanut butter pie became Chelsea legend and was requested at church suppers and community events as well as a staple at family birthdays and holiday gatherings. It is said that Nancy took her beloved recipe with her to Heaven! She took great pride in caring for their home, yet she found time to sew, quilt, knit and crochet, creating beautiful handmade gifts for family and friends.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Rufus, their two daughters Roxanne Royce (Jeff Culkin), of South Burlington, and Susan Royce Empie (Scott) of Richmond, her brothers, Clarence Kennedy (Mary) of Keystone Heights, Florida, and Kenneth Kennedy of Washington, and her sister June Leggio (David) of Chelsea. Nancy also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Sam Empie and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Shirley Streeter.

For those interested, donations in Nancy's memory may be made to the United Church of Chelsea, First Branch Ambulance Service in Chelsea or Chelsea Historical Society.

Funeral services will be announced at a later time.

The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.