Nancy Gifford Roach

With love and gratitude for her life, the family of Nancy Gifford Roach announces her passing on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. A daughter of Rhode Island, Nancy was born in Providence on January 19th, 1932, and grew up in Barrington. Through her father's lineage, Nancy was a Colonial Dame due to her being a descendant of John Alden, who arrived in New

England on the Mayflower. She attended high school at Lincoln School in Providence, graduating in 1949. Nancy's life-long loyalty and generosity to Lincoln School was recognized with an Alumnae Citation Award for her service and commitment to excellence in all areas of education for young women. Nancy attended Marjorie Webster Junior College after which she

worked as an administrative assistant.

Soon thereafter, Nancy met and fell in love with a young Naval officer, Donald A. Roach, who was stationed in Newport, R.I. They were married in 1955, and together they devoted their lives to raising four well-loved children. Don's work initially took them to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they lived for 15 years. In 1971, a work-related relocation and good fortune brought them back to Rhode Island. This move brought Nancy and her family back home, first to Providence and then to Barrington. They also enjoyed a family-gathering home, High Pastures Farm, in Woodstock, Vermont.

Predeceased by husband Don in 2013 and grandson Colin Antonovics in 2021, Nancy is survived by her sons, daughters, grandchildren, and (great grandchildren): Deborah, her husband Dennis Proffitt, and son Christopher Antonovics; Cindy, her husband Jeffrey Barger, and their sons and daughter James (Riley and Quinn Barger), Michael, Scott, and Maggie; Donald, his

wife Stacey, and their daughters Katie (Olivia and Margo Plauché) and Mallory (Micah and Brooks Goff); Douglas, his wife Susan, and their son and daughter Daniel and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her sister Jane Gifford Barrows, and her extended family.

Nancy devoted her life to her family, friends, and community. She was a compassionate woman, who was aways there in the background looking out for other people. Through example and attentive nurturing, Nancy's children grew to become strong, independent, caring adults.

Small and slight of build, Nancy was an indefatigable, athletic woman, bright both in intellect and spirit. With her family, she enjoyed active recreation including travelling, skiing and hiking. As a hiker she was always the fastest and least inclined to stop and rest.

To her friends, Nancy was a person who looked you in the eye and listened, often placing her hand on your arm as a tangible offering of trust and friendship. She cared deeply about what you had to say, no matter what it might be. She laughed easily and often. Nancy shared her life with a cohort of fantastic women friends, with whom she enjoyed activities including yoga, her Investment Club, the Providence Handicraft Club, golf, and tennis. Nancy was active in a wide range of community and philanthropic activities, always in the background, not seeking credit, doing the work that needed to be done.

Nancy was a lovable, sprightly woman who embodied Rhode Island's State Motto, "Hope." She wished for and expected the best of her family, friends, and community. With grace and kindness, she worked selflessly for the betterment of the lives of those blessed by her touch.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held at Central Congregational Church, in Providence, on Friday, February 6th at 11:00. A reception will follow at the Hope Club.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Nancy be given to Lincoln School (c/o Office of Advancement, 301 Butler Ave., Prov., RI 02906) or to the Barrington Preservation Society (P.O. Box 178, Barrington, RI 02806).