Nancy E. Achin

1959 - 2022

Andover

Nancy Elaine Achin ( Audesse ) of Andover, formerly of Wenham, passed away on February 25th in the presence of her loving husband David Kellogg-Achin.

Raised in Tewksbury, Nancy attended the Academy of Notre Dame and was graduated in 1981 from Radcliffe College, studying first government, then psychology and social relations. Nancy began a successful business career at Federated Department Stores' Filene's, rising quickly to become their youngest vice president.

Stellar intellect, sharp wit and a boundless work ethic distinguished Nancy's business career from the very beginning. Those attributes, teamed with exceptional personal skills and a smile that could light up Times Square, insured the rapid success she achieved, but Nancy found her true calling in public service.

After several years as Executive Director of The Girls Club in Lowell, in 1990 Nancy, then surnamed Sullivan, became the first Republican to win the District 5 Senate seat since her uncle, 50 years before. Her crowning achievement was the passage of Senate Bill 471, guaranteeing free mammograms for low-income residents.

Nancy's own breast cancer and treatment precluded her reelection, but she later served almost ten years as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. Her knowledge of the American health care system -–as both regulator and experienced patient–- placed her among the top experts country-wide for state medical boards. She also served the American Red Cross, co-founded the PanMass Challenge and worked as Town Manager for Wenham.

Her tireless spirit will remain an inspiration to all who knew her. Nancy survived Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer twice, open heart surgery, and a life-altering stroke. A mere mortal might have given up in the face of such adversity, but she pushed through each setback with genuine grace, and that unsinkable smile.

Nancy was a wonderfully complex person. She collected Napoleonic-era antiques with her late husband Henry and with equal ease, rooted knowledgeably for the Patriots, Red Sox, and Notre Dame football.

Her intelligence was unmatched by her family and friends, all of whom suffered many landslide defeats in Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. She has the unusual distinction of being the only person ever to be invited to compete on Jeopardy! and turning down the invitation due to family obligation.

In 2018, Nancy married David Kellogg-Achin in Andover, where they lived happily with their dog Esmé. Nancy never felt happier than when she was entertaining family and friends, taking joy from reintegrating first her late husband's family and more recently, her own. Mobility issues did not stop her from cooking like Julia Child with David as her faithful sous chef.

It must not go without mention how many people Nancy touched with love, in her life, people whom she influenced, helped and even saved. This, and her unbroken spirit are her most lasting legacy.

Nancy was the third child of Frederick Achin and Constance (Pyne) Achin of Tewksbury. She was predeceased by sisters Suzanne and Elizabeth and beloved husband Henry Daniel Audesse.

Among those loving and missing Nancy are her siblings Frederick Achin, Jr. of Lowell, Patrice Kenny of Merrimack, NH, and Kristin Mazza (Jim) Barnett of Mount Dora, FL; her aunt and godmother Patricia Pyne of Pepperell, many nieces and nephews including Justine Achin (Eliu Olmo), Thomas Beraldi (Emmy Campbell), Morgan Mazza (Jeremy) Webb, Britney Achin, and Jeremy (Michelle) Mazza. She was a favorite great-aunt of Gabriella, Mateo, Calvin, Julius, and Mia. Her loss is also felt by the extended family of her late husband Henry, her godchildren, her cousins, and innumerable friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Boston House, 229 Kent St., Brookline, MA 02446, The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or the Academy of Notre Dame, 180 Middlesex Rd., Tyngsboro, MA 01879.

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 Saint Robert Belarmine Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Archambault Funeral Home, 309 Pawtucket St. Lowell, MA 01854.



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