Nancy Preston King

HOLDERNESS -- Nancy Preston King, 92, of Holderness, NH, and Stuart, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, Appleton King; the father of her children, Peter Ward; her son-in-law, Michael Vizzari; and her parents, Rev. Richard Greeley Preston and Marjorie Brush Preston. She is survived by her children: Peter and Patty Ward, Lisa Ward, Pres and Jackie Ward, Jamie Ward and his husband, Jonathan Day; and by her stepchildren, Appleton, Lisa, and Lily King, and Lily's husband, Tyler Clement. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Heather Ward and her husband, Eugene; Rachael; Andrew; Kati; Taylor and her husband, Zachary; and Charlotte-and her great-grandchildren, Noah and Henry.

Nancy was a force of nature-athletic, fearless, and always on the move. In her younger years, she was an avid water and downhill skier. She delighted in patiently teaching her children and their friends how to waterski. Well into her 80s, she continued to play tennis and golf with a competitive spirit.

She adored animals-especially her horses at King Ranch-but her lifetime bond with her dogs was unmistakable, and their loyalty reflected the boundless affection she gave them.

Her heart truly belonged to Squam Lake, her lifetime summer home and haven. Whether swimming, commandeering her boat King Kong, or surveying the goings-on from the dock, she relished all that Squam had to offer. She particularly loved Chocorua (Church) Island, where she served as a lifetime Trustee, and the Squam Lakes Science Center, where she volunteered. And who but Nancy could be found tending her gardens and the woods of Boulderwood, dressed in Lilly Pulitzer, confidently wielding clippers and a chainsaw.

She loved classical and holiday music, filling her home with nostalgia. She had a creative streak passed down from her mother-creating needlepoint belts, pillows, Christmas stockings, and detailed backgammon boards for her children. Courtesy of her father, she had a sweet tooth reflected in her culinary creations. Despite declaring the kitchen her least favorite place, she excelled at making Yorkshire pudding, chocolate chip cookies, meringues, and decadent hot fudge sauce.

She lived joyfully and created memories that will carry forward for generations. We'll miss her laughter and mischief, her love of family, and her endless appreciation of Squam.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chocorua Island (www.churchisland.org) or the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (www.nhnature.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, please go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com