Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Archambault Funeral Home

309 Pawtucket St

Lowell, Massachusetts

NANCY ACHIN Obituary

ACHIN, Nancy (Audesse) Formerly of Wenham, passed away February 25th in the arms of her loving husband David Kellogg-Achin. Raised in Tewksbury, Nancy graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame and in 1981, Harvard-Radcliffe College. She worked at Filene's, rising quickly to become their youngest Vice President. Stellar intellect, wit, and a boundless work ethic distinguished Nancy's business career. These attributes, teamed with exceptional people skills and a smile that could light up Times Square, insured rapid success, but Nancy found her true calling to be public service. After Executive Directorship of Lowell's Girls Club, in 1990 Nancy became the first Republican to win District 5's Senate seat since her uncle 50 years before. She considered her crowning achievement to be the passage of Senate 471 guaranteeing free mammograms for low-income residents. Though Nancy's breast cancer treatment precluded reelection, she later directed the MA Board of Registration in Medicine. Knowledge of the healthcare system, as both regulator and patient, placed her atop the experts country-wide for state medical boards. Nancy also served the American Red Cross, Pan Mass Challenge and as Wenham Town Manager. Her tireless spirit will remain an inspiration to all who knew her. She survived Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast and skin cancer, open heart surgery, and a life-altering stroke. A mere mortal would have been felled by such adversity, but Nancy powered through each setback with genuine grace, and that unsinkable smile. Nancy was wonderfully complex. Collecting Napoleonic antiques with her late husband Henry, she rooted knowledgeably for the Patriots, Red Sox, and Notre Dame football. She was equally comfortable on the fields of the Pebble Beach and Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. Her intelligence was unmatched by all comers, who suffered landslide losses in Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. She was the only person ever invited to compete on Jeopardy, who turned down the invitation due to family commitment, such were her values. In 2018, Nancy married David Kellogg in Andover, where they lived in gratitude with their dog Esm?. Never happier than when entertaining family and friends, Nancy took joy from reintegrating first her late husband's family and more recently, her own. Despite mobility issues, she cooked like Julia Child with David as faithful sous chef. It must not go without mention how many people Nancy touched with love: people she influenced, helped and even saved. This, and her unbroken spirit are her most lasting legacy. Nancy was born to Frederick Achin and Constance (Pyne) Achin; and predeceased by sisters Suzanne and Elizabeth and beloved husband Henry Audesse. Those loving and missing Nancy are her siblings Frederick Achin, Jr., Patrice Kenny, and Kristin Mazza Barnett; her aunt and godmother Patricia Pyne; numerous nieces, nephews, the family of her late husband Henry, godchildren, cousins, innumerable friends and colleagues. St. Robert Belarmine Church, Andover will host Visiting Hours Friday, March 4th, 4-8PM and an 11AM Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to The Boston House, the Jimmy Fund, or the Academy of Notre Dame.

Family and friends are invited to both Visiting Hours on Friday, March 4th, 4-8 PM and to the Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 AM at Saint Robert Belarmine Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Archambault Funeral Home, 309 Pawtucket St., LOWELL, MA 01854.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for NANCY ACHIN

Not sure what to say?





Mary E Wilkins and Family

March 28, 2022

I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She helped with many people in her life and gave them opportunity to expand their careers. I met Nancy while working at Filene's in Boston. She hired me and later on in life called me and told me I was coming to work with her in the Massachusetts State Senate office as her Assistance. That was truly an honor that she believed in me to continue to work with her. She was my friend and a great colleague to work for. She will surly be missed.

Suzy Fraser

March 24, 2022

My sincerest condolences go out to Nancy's husband, family, and friends. I only had the pleasure of meeting her once, but she made such a wonderful impression on me and won't be forgotten.

Denise J Karlin

March 9, 2022

I worked with Nancy at Board of Registration in Medicine during the mid to late 1990s. It was a pleasure working with her and getting to know her. I left that agency in 2000 but I kept in touch with Nancy. I graudated from Harvard a year before her but did not know her back them. I am proud I got to know Nancy and work with you. She left the world a better place. Deepest condolences to David, Nancy's entire family, and all who loved her. May her memory be for a blessing.

Jude Hammerle

March 8, 2022

Simply the most beautiful and wonderful person.

Jim Gardiner

March 6, 2022

While offering condolences, I for one am grateful to have had met Nancy. She was my manager when she arrived at Filenes. We bonded quickly which many understand isn't difficult with Nancy. She was a true impact leader who drove to success in everything she pursued. The world is a much better place having had Nancy around. RIP friend.

Steve Gold & Jennifer Aley

March 5, 2022

For more than forty years we cherished Nancy's loyal friendship and endless generosity of spirit. Her tenacity and joie de vivre inspired us and all who knew her. The world is diminished by her loss.

Maryellen, Shelagh, and Maura

March 5, 2022

The Doherty sisters are saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. She helped to make our community a better place. Our condolences to her loved ones.

Doris Balaconis Rezza

March 5, 2022

Nancy was pure sunshine! I was lucky enough to know her from Harvard. I will miss her very much and will keep her upbeat spirit with me.

Lida Harkins

March 4, 2022

I had the privilege to serve in the House of Representatives while Nany was serving in the Senate. She was such a lovely woman and it was a joyful day for all of the women in the House and Senate when we were able to get passed the breast cancer bill that Nancy sponsored. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a role model for us all. With much sympathy,
Lida Harkins

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Carolyn Taite

Sent Flowers

Libby Sweetnam

March 4, 2022

I had the pleasure of working for Nancy at the Board of Registration in Medicine. I´ll never forget the kindness and generosity that she extended to me and my family and that I saw her extend to so many others. Nancy, Rest In Peace.

Rita Seegraber

March 3, 2022

My husband, Michael Kelly, worked with Nancy at The Board of Registration in Medicine in the early 2000's. My husband said she was wonderful to work with. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

MaryEllen Doherty

March 3, 2022

In loving memory of a great person. Her NDA classmates will miss her.

Charles Rosebbaum MD

March 3, 2022

She was an inspiring presence to every oncology caregiver.

Academy of Notre Dame Tyngsboro

March 3, 2022

All of us at the Academy of Notre Dame are so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She is the true representation of a Legendary Lancer and we are proud to call her an alumna.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Tom Cheney '81

Sent Flowers

Plant a Tree & Name a Star

The Bergerons et al

Sent Flowers

Steven Panagiotakos

March 2, 2022

My condolences to Nancy's family and friends. I first met Nancy at college, where we were in the same dormitory, Quincy House. She was endearing, vibrant, and kind, a very special person. Years later when we met again she had not changed one bit and has always been that same very special person. You were blessed to be in her company. May Her Memory be Eternal.

Susie

March 2, 2022

My deepest sympathies to David and Nancy´s family. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Nancy from sleepovers to egg hunts when we were kids, to beach parties then onto weddings and working together. We shared a lifetime of memories all of which I will cherish. Nancy was many thing to many people to me she was kind, thoughtful, generous and an inspiration. When I remember Nancy I will remember her full of life!

Margo Sargent Simkin

March 2, 2022

On January 20,1959, a star was born. That star shined brightly for 63 years.
Nancy and I were friends for many years, and chaired many events for the American Cancer Society together.
To know Nancy was an honor. I admired her courage, determination, passion, and her kindness. She made this world a better place. May her spirit live on through all of those whose lives she touched. See you on the other side, my beautiful friend.

Annie O´Connor

March 2, 2022

So very sorry to learn of Nancy´s passing. We worked on several projects over the years and she was so inspiring and fun to be with. A truly wonderful person.

Bob Moriarty

March 2, 2022

May Nancy´s memory be eternal and may her brilliance and compassion serve as inspiration. Peace.

Anita M. Steinbergh, DO

March 1, 2022

Sincere condolences to David and Nancy's entire family.
I have cherished memories of Nancy when we served on committees and other meetings for the Federation of State Medical Boards.
Anita M. Steinbergh, DO
Columbus Ohio

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Jane M. Swift

Sent Flowers

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in NANCY ACHIN's name

Memorial Events
for NANCY ACHIN

Mar

4

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saint Robert Belarmine Church

MA

Mar

5

Funeral Mass

Saint Robert Belarmine Church

MA

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Archambault Funeral Home

309 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA 01854

How to support NANCY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor NANCY ACHIN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more