Nancy Jean Gaines

Nancy Jean Gaines obituary, Queen Creek, AZ

Nancy Jean Gaines

Nancy Gaines Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home and Advance Planning Center on Sep. 12, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Nancy Jean Gaines, 80, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on August 23rd with her husband, Greg - her best friend and lifelong partner in adventure - by her side.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in Beverly, Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Fiercely independent, adventurous, and full of life, she learned to sail as a child, later earned her pilot's license, traveled the world, and cherished every moment with her family. An avid golfer and self-taught painter, she embraced new passions with the same fearless spirit. Strong, funny, and undeniably badass, she made life brighter just by being in it.

She is survived by her husband, Gregory Gaines; sons, Gary Thibedeau (Kris) and Jeffrey Thibedeau (Elaine); grandchildren, Jeffrey (Kelli), Jordan, and Paige Thibedeau; and great-grandson, Liam Thibedeau. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alliean (Costello) and John Lister; brother, Richard Lister; and sister, Gail Genest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at give.bannerhealth.com/nancygainesmemorial

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

Sign Nancy Gaines's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Cathy Darby

September 7, 2025

Sending condolences and prayers for comfort to Greg and the Thibedeau family. Nancy was a bright light in the lives of people she touched. She made feisty beautiful and a gathering a joyful experience.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home and Advance Planning Center

21809 S Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Make a Donation
in Nancy Gaines's name

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 Gaines'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

Sign Nancy Gaines's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?