Nancy Ellen Larsen

Ellsworth
Nancy Ellen (Wood) Larsen, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 5, 2025, at home in Ellsworth of complications of pneumonia following a stroke.
Nancy was born Jan. 27, 1946, the first of six children born to Colby and Kathleen (Blackman) Wood. She and her siblings grew up on Surry Road in Ellsworth. Nancy graduated with the class of 1964 at Ellsworth High School, where she was senior class secretary and a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, softball and field hockey. Over the years, she enjoyed many dinners with her classmates. Last year they celebrated their 60th reunion.
After high school, Nancy studied nursing but ultimately did not pursue a career in the field. She raised a family and for many years worked at The Ellsworth American. Among her roles at the newspaper were formatting and editing obituaries. She took great care with the tributes and the families left behind. She knew what it was like to lose someone and had faced many challenges in her own life. Nancy had the strength of a warrior and family was important to her.
Nancy's first marriage brought her two children, son Alan Lounder of Clearwater, Fla. and daughter Heather Lounder and partner Willard Lyons of Hancock. Eventually came granddaughters Taylor Lounder and fiancé Jesse Hines of Windsor and Adrianna Lyons-Murphy of Lamoine, then two great-grandchildren born to Adrianna, Presley and Maddie, her "girls" and greatest joys in later years.
Nancy loved yard sales, lunch dates, the sun, reading, planting flowers, sleepovers with her sisters, and the Red Sox. She was a terrible driver, but a good friend. She was the person to ask if you wanted to know who was related to who in the Ellsworth area. Nancy will be greatly missed.
Nancy is survived by devoted husband, DeWayne Larsen of 35 years, her children, granddaughters, and the family's partners. Nancy also leaves behind siblings, Donna Clarke of Ellsworth and Venice, Fla.; Donald "Buddy" Wood and partner Kristi Dunn of Great Pond; Kathy Ashe and husband Yale of Surry; Gail Fletcher of Ellsworth; and Alan Wood and wife Betty of Franklin; special cousin, Timmy Taylor and wife Jeanie; many nieces and nephews and their children. Nancy was predeceased by her father, Colby Wood; mother, Kathleen (Blackman) Wood; special aunt, Mildred Kidder; sister-in-law, Deborah "Debby" Wood; brothers-in-law, Clyde Fletcher and Loren Clarke; and grandson-in-law, Matthew Murphy.
A graveside service (open to the public) will be held 11am, May 9, 2025, at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Donations may be sent to the Colby Wood Family Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 11 Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Next Step Domestic Violence Project www.nextstepdvproject.org/donate in Nancy's memory. The family wishes to thank Northern Light Home Care & Hospice - Hancock for their excellent care.
Arrangements were made by Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com