Barbara Nancy Straiton

Barbara "Nancy" Straiton, 77, passed away on March 3, 2025, in Danbury, CT. Born on April 7, 1947, Nancy was known for her vibrant, caring, and passionate personality, which resonated deeply within her community and among those she loved.
Nancy attended both Newtown High School and New Milford High School. She began her career as a hairdresser at Americo's Hair Salon, later transitioning to a cherished role as a child care provider in her home during the 1980s. Her commitment to nurturing extended into her professional pursuits; she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree in the late 1980s and retired from Garner Correctional Institution. Following her retirement, Nancy continued to serve as a private LPN for families in need, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to caregiving.
She was a lifelong advocate for human rights, the environment, education, and children's rights. Nancy's commitment to these causes was evident in her everyday interactions and her choice to support organizations that aligned with her values.
Nancy will be sadly missed by her daughter, Laura Straiton (partner Dan Schofield) of Bethel, CT; sons, Mark Straiton of Key West, FL, and Andrew Straiton of Southbury, CT; grandchildren, Olive, Danika, Richard, Mary, Amelie, and Sonny; former husband, Richard Straiton of Bethel, CT; partner, John Pownall of Mobile, AL; and brother, Douglas Echols of Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Echols-Jacoby, and brothers, Peter Jacoby and John Echols.
In her free time, Nancy enjoyed gardening, visiting her grandchildren, and taking pictures which brought her immense joy and allowed her to capture the beauty of the world around her. She attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown in her youth and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bethel, CT as an adult, where she participated in community activities and formed lasting friendships.
Family and friends will gather to honor Nancy's life at Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801, on Friday, March 21st from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 22nd at 10am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy's memory can be made to Dorothy Day Hospitality House, PO Box 922, Danbury, CT 06813, or online at http://www.dorothydaydanbury.org/Donate.htm, an organization that reflects her compassionate spirit and dedication to helping those in need.