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Nancy Walcott Goss

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Clark University

Nancy Goss Obituary

74, of North Andover, MA, formerly of Worcester, died July 10, 2007, of complications from myelodysplasia. She leaves her husband of 49 years, Lane Woodworth Goss, sons Edward Woodworth Goss and wife Christine of Wellesley, Charles Lane Goss II and wife Beth Carroll of Madbury NH, Philip Johnston Goss of North Andover and grandchildren William, Elizabeth Jane, Sarah and Edward, Jr. of Wellesley and Katharine Goss of Madbury. She also leaves her brothers, Anderson Wade Douthat III and James Fielding Douthat and their families of Roanoke, VA. Mrs. Goss was a lifelong preservationist who was interested in Americana, manuscripts, objects and historic houses. As National Museum Properties Chairman of the National Society of Colonial Dames in America (NSCDA) she most recently was responsible for the July 2007 Antiques Magazine being totally dedicated to describing the 62 NSCDA museum properties in 44 of the United States. She was a member of the Collections committees of Historic New England, (SPNEA) Strawbery Banke of Portsmouth, NH, The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) and the Concord (MA) Museum. She was formerly a member (and guide) of the Museum of Fine Arts Ladies committee, Chairman of TTOR's Stevens Coolidge Place in North Andover, Museum House Chairman of Portsmouth's Moffatt Ladd House and VP of the North Andover Historical Society. Mrs. Goss was a Friend of the Collections at both Mount Vernon and colonial Williamsburg and was founder and Chairman of the Friends of the Moffatt Ladd house. She was also a member of the Boston and Portsmouth Athenaeums. Mrs. Goss was the first woman member of Worcester's board of appeals and vice chairman of the Friends of the Goddard Library at Clark University where she earned an MA in English linguistics. Born in Oklahoma City, she received an AB in psychology from Sweet Briar College. In the 1950s she worked at the National Education Association and the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. A memorial service will be held at St. Johns Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, NH on July 23rd at 1PM. Burial will be private. If inclined, supporting your favorite museum house and occasionally donating blood in her honor would be appropriate. Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the on-line guest book.

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Goss

29 Entries

Madeline (Jolin) McCue

August 5, 2007

Mr. Goss, Ned, Charles and Philip,
I just found out last night about Mrs. Goss. I am so sorry.

Alice Lea Tasman

July 27, 2007

I send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Nancy Douthat Goss. She left us all with a great legacy. We will all miss her.
Sincerely,
Alice Lea M. Tasman
NSCDA/PA

Rieta Brothwell

July 23, 2007

With deepest sympathy

George & Shirley Sydnor

July 22, 2007

Shirley and I were saddened to learn of Nancy's passing; we had only met her briefly a number of years ago, but knew well of her dedication to her family and to preserving Americana antiquities.
She will be missed by all; we send our sincere condolences to the family.
George & Shirley Sydnor
Fincastle, VA.

Lois Green

July 21, 2007

Woody
I was so sad to learn about Nancy. We were great friends as well as neighbors as our children grew up together in Worcester. She was a wonderful woman. I hope the memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Lois Green

Jerry & Ann Finnerty

July 20, 2007

Woody,

We are so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing, may the memories of all the years together bring you peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

James Karet

July 19, 2007

Evelyn and I, Tom and Kate, wish to express our most sincere condolences to you Woody, all the boys and their families, at the sudden and untimely death of Nancy. We recall with fondness our trip together to Sea Island, lo, those many years ago with a stop in Roanoke and a visit with Clem. May you all find strength in her myriad accomplishments and her devotion to her family...
Our deepest sympathy
The Karet Family

Donald McKinnon

July 19, 2007

Dear Woody and Family,
We are so sadden to hear of your great loss.We think of you all durning this sad time. Our prayers are with all of you. Nancy will forever be with you.
Loving Thoughts,
Donald and Donna Mckinnon

Emily Slingluff

July 19, 2007

Dear Woody,
As you may not remember, I was a classmate of Nancy's at Sweet Briar. I keep thinking about her, particularly now. She was such a dear friend to all of us. She made our time together better. Much love to you and to your children, Emily Hunter Slingluff

Kathryn Beard

July 18, 2007

Nancy's Sweet Briar classmates have wonderful memories of her. She brough great humor and fun to every gathering. We shall miss her very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with all her family at this sad time.

Bill & Vivian Treat

July 18, 2007

Nancy's enormous enthusiasm, knowledge, and wisdom combined with an elegant and charming personality made her a star in all the historical preservation organizations to which she belonged. We will miss her.

Our sympathy to Woody and her family.

Judy Herdeg

July 18, 2007

Dear Woody,
John and I were so sad to hear of Nancy's death. We both enjoyed her company, her cheery demeaner, willingness to help and advice. I especially treasure our friendship through the Dames and historic houses. She will be greatly missed. John and I are thinking of you at this time of loss.
Affectionately, Judy and John

Ann Powell

July 18, 2007

I was deeply saddened when I learned of Nancy's death. She was a wonderful friend and leader for the Stevens-Coolidge Place and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her over the years. She will be greatly missed by all her friends at The Trustees of Reservations.

Allan and Linda Maclean

July 18, 2007

Woody,
Linda and I were saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. I regret that we will be unable to attend the memorial service in Portsmouth. I'm sure you know that you'll be in the thoughts and prayers of all of the SSB alumni.
Sincerely, Allan.

Norman Scarpulla

July 17, 2007

Woody,
Our sincere condolences. Nancy always made us feel at home when we were at your home.
Norm and Suzanne Scarpulla
Harriet Scarpulla

Lois Abeles

July 17, 2007

Dear Woody,
You can't imagine how saddened I am to hear of Nancy's passing. Having lived in Florida since the late 80's, I learned about it when each of my children made special calls to tell me. They know how I always felt about Nancy ....and how much it would mean to me to be able to communicate with you. The passing of time will never dim my memories of the multiple times I spent with her in your home on Metcalf Street...afternoons of continuous talking, sharing confidences, pleasures, even when there was nothing to do! You even housed my mom ---do you remember? Evenings happily dining together in your home and mine, on Rollingwood Drive -- so much more!
Woody, years have slipped by and will continue to do so. But my loving memories have- and will remain unchanged. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Harry T. Lewis, Jr.

July 17, 2007

My profound condolences to your entire family for the loss of Nancy whom I got to know well through the class of 1955. Woody, my profound condolences go out to you.
Harry T. Lewis, Jr.

Robert Harper

July 17, 2007

Ursula and I were saddened to learn of your recent loss.Nancy was a pleasure to have known and will be missed by her many friends.All of your family should take comfort in knowing of the high regard in which she was held by so many.Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Bob and Ursula Harper

Chris Needham

July 17, 2007

Woody,

I am very sorry to learn of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Ame & Sid Hoffman

July 16, 2007

Nancy will always be remembered fondly by us

Suzanne Weinheimer

July 16, 2007

I was shocked when son Kent called today to tell me of Nancy's death. So many memories, yet I have been away from the old neighborhood for so many years that I didn't even remember where you live. It seems like yesterdaywhen the kids were young and we slid down the hill next to your house on Metcalf Street. I find that I knew so little of all the things this wonderful, amazing lady did..and with such grace, energy and intelligence.
Woody, I am so saddened, even though there are many years now between our brief meetings. Please extend my sympathy to your children and grandchildren, and most of all to yourself.
Suzanne Weinheimer

Nancy Beck

July 16, 2007

Bill and I were so very sorry to learn of Nancy's death. I had the privilege of working with her on her National Museum Properties Committee She was a wonderful, committed and gracious lady and we will all miss her. Nancy & Bill Beck

Carl Rapp

July 16, 2007

As a kid who frequented the Goss residence in Worcester many years ago, there was never a lot of ambiguity when Mrs. Goss expressed herself and provided an opinion as to the state of the world and your particular place in it. As an adult I came to understand and appreciate that she approached everything in life with intelligence, pragmatism and a clear purpose. What a bright light. Wonderful memories and the legacy of a great family who are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Frederick Lyman

July 16, 2007

I am very sorry to learn of Nancy's death. She was a great asset to all nof us at Strawbery Banke Museum and always very friendly and eager to engage all of us Overseers. A great loss for everyone who knew her.

Robin Spaulding

July 16, 2007

We were shocked and saddened when we heard the news.Nancy was a TREASURE!...Family first--fun--bright--purposeful--always involved in something unique and interesting. We have lots of fun memories. We share in your loss. Love, Robin and Linc Spaulding and Family

Alex Rapp

July 16, 2007

I have very fond memories of the annual Christmas party with the Goss and Nelson families. Nancy was always very kind with a great sense of humor. Very sorry for your loss.

Brook Spaulding

July 16, 2007

Extremely fond memories of Mrs. Goss as child and young adult. Although she wouldn't allowed Chuck and I to "get away with too much", we sure had a lot of fun under a loving eye.
Very sorry for the loss.
Lots of love to entire family.

Ruah Donnelly

July 15, 2007

Dear Woody,

We are shocked and grieved beyond telling to hear of Nancy's death.

Nancy was silver, pure silver. In the edifice of a well-lived life, her love for you and the boys was the cornerstone. She was smart, wise, handsome, accomplished, strong and fine--indeed she was one of the finest women I have ever known.

As a friend and citizen she was exceptional at inspiring people and institutions do their best. She was refreshingly generous, warm, witty, good at everything, and could not be fooled. I have always held her in the greatest admiration and affection. I know you will miss her sorely.

All the Donnellys join me in honoring Nancy's memory. We remember well her part in establishing the James Corcoran Donnelly Gallery at the Worcester Art Museum in the early 1970s--as I recall practically single-handed. This was one of a long list of good deeds for which she refused proper credit. We feel enormously lucky to have known her friendship for so many years.

Steve and I deeply regret being unable to join you on July 23. I hope for a time to visit her grave for prayers of farewell on our return from Germany in August. In the meantime, you will be much in my thoughts and prayers.

Affectionately, Ruah

John Masterson

July 15, 2007

Desiree and I will remember Nancy's kindness, enthusiasm and generosity. We are so sorry for your loss.

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