Nancy Padegenis

Lyme - At her home on a peaceful inlet, as purple crocuses bloomed and noisy geese grazed on the lawn, we lost a wise, generous, and loving lady. Nancy (Latham) Padegenis, born on Aug. 4, 1943, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Julia Latham.

Nancy would have welcomed spring, the chance to begin her garden, to enjoy the birds, to play with her great-grandchildren, and to experience all new life stirring near the lakeside home she shared with her husband and where her children grew up.

After nearly 50 years of marriage to her husband and best friend, Raymond, the love, concern, and caring was strong. Ray was honored to care for Nancy in her last days at home, always nearby day and night.

Nancy's daughters, Susan Nelson and Kathryn Padegenis, were a joy that she could not have imagined her life without. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Julia Harrison and Griffin and Hunter Nelson. She also adored her two great-granddaughters, Bridget and Abigail and her great-grandson, Nathan. She is also survived by her brother, Frederick and his wife, Shirley.

Nancy graduated from the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing with an RN degree. She went on to receive her bachelor of arts in nursing and a master of arts in community psychology. Clinically, Nancy strongly believed in a holistic approach to healthcare.

She repeatedly furthered her education earning many certificates ranging from hypnotherapy to advances in the treatment of psychosis. She chose to work with those who are often overlooked - the elderly and those suffering from mental illness. She specialized in geropsychiatric care.

She had a long and distinguished career including several years at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She was honored to pass on her knowledge to others, teaching classes at the Opportunities Industrial Center of New London County, Inc., at one time.

Nancy grew up in the Lyme and Old Lyme communities, and served not only this community, but also the larger world community. She was one of the first to answer the call from the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. She brought this experience back with her as she served in shelters established for both Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy.

Nancy was the consummate caregiver even offering others grief counseling from her sickbed. Nancy had a knack for knowing what was needed and when, whether it was an eye-roll at a friend who was being a bit too serious, travel advice about which cruises were best, or where to travel in New England; a favorite spot was Ogunquit, Maine. She would sometimes simply begin a new garden for a friend. This is what made her seem like a friend the moment you met her and helped to maintain many long-term friendships, some since elementary school.

We will remember Nancy when we look out on a lakeside sunset, when we make a new friend, or have dinner with an old one. May we feel her presence each time we plant a bulb or travel to distant shores. May all of us honor her memory by being a friend and caregiver to the neediest among us not expecting anything in return.

Nancy's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in the Grassy Hill Congregational Church, Grassy Hill Road, Lyme. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name can be made to the American Red Cross or the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.