Nancy M. Eldredge

Nancy Margaret Eldredge (Wishart), a beacon of kindness and love, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on July 6, 1939, to the late James Murray Wishart and Josephine Wishart, Nancy grew up in Oak Square Brighton and graduated from Brighton High School, laying the foundation for a life filled with warmth, family, and service.

Nancy's career spanned decades at the New England Telephone Co., where she retired after years of dedicated work. Her professional life was marked by the same warmth and care she brought to every aspect of her existence. Nancy was a woman whose heart was truly the compass by which she navigated the world.

Married to her childhood sweetheart, the late Carl A. Peterson, Nancy raised a loving family in Watertown and Belmont, MA. She was the loving mother of Carl A. Peterson Jr. (Chuck) and his wife Holly of Pembroke, MA, Robert M. Peterson and wife Stephanie of Waltham, MA, and her daughter Lori R. Peterson of Gardner, MA. Nancy later found love again and remarried to the late James Eldredge. Together, they shared many joyous years in Cape Cod, the Florida Keys, and the Belgrade Lake Region in Maine.

Nancy's family circle was wide and full of affection. She was a kind stepmother to Susan Benjamin and partner John Wagner of Bourne, MA, Linda Fratus of Taunton, MA, and the late Glen Eldredge and his late wife Kim. Her role as a grandmother was cherished, and she adored her grandchildren Brett Peterson, Bryan Peterson and his fiancée Aimee, as well as her step-grandchildren Ashlee Wade, Eric Benjamin, and Corey Fratus. Nancy's family extended to her late sister Cynthia Maxim and brother-in-law late Raymond Maxim, her close cousin Peter Selder and his wife Dianne, and her in-laws Shirley and Paul Maguire, and Betty Bennett and her late husband Bob Bennett. She was also a beloved aunt to many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Nancy's zest for life was evident in her active lifestyle and her love for hosting family and friends at her homes in Florida and Maine. Her summers on Maine were filled with warmth, while her time in the Florida Keys included operating the Sugarloaf Marina with Jim. Nancy's laughter echoed as she swam with friends in the canal by her home, and her spirit soared as she enjoyed boating and kayaking in Florida and Maine.

In her later years, Nancy faced the challenges of dementia with grace and the support of her loved ones. Her decline in health was met with the same love and care that she had always given to others. A special note of appreciation is extended to her daughter Lori for her unwavering love and hard work, and to all those who supported Nancy in her time of need.

Nancy Margaret Eldredge will be remembered as a woman who lived her life with kindness and love, touching the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to shine through her family and the countless lives she impacted. Nancy's memory will be cherished and her presence deeply missed. Nancy's final wishes are for a private cremation service in Chatham, MA to be with her late husband, James.

Many family & friends are grieving the loss. Nancy will be forever in our hearts as she begins her new heavenly journey. Nancys friends and family would like to thank both the staff at Benchmark Senior Living in Leominster, MA and the Hospice Care Staff.

Private services.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer's Disease Research in Nancys honor.