Nancy L. Thresher

Nancy Thresher Obituary Nancy L. Thresher (Steenbruggen), age 70, of Tewksbury, formerly a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Nancy was born in Medford, MA, on August 7, 1955. She was the cherished daughter of the late Gerrit J. and Mary Lorraine (Murray) Steenbruggen. Nancy was raised and educated in Reading, MA, where she was part of a large, loving family. A proud graduate of Reading High School, she went on to earn her degree in nursing from the Burbank School of Nursing at Fitchburg State College.
For many years, Nancy worked as a dedicated nurse at Choate Hospital in Woburn, MA. Known for her kindness and compassion, she cared deeply for her patients and their families. Nancy embraced learning throughout her life and was always engaged with the evolving field of medicine. After 13 years in the nursing field and her ever growing family, Nancy left nursing and went to work for the family business called First Electric Motor Service for over 30 years so she could be there for her children.
On October 9, 1976, Nancy married her sweetheart, Clement J. "Clem" Thresher. Together they recently celebrated 49 wonderful years of marriage. The couple made their home in Wilmington, settling in their beloved Mozart Avenue neighborhood where they raised their family. Nancy was a devoted wife and mother who filled her home with love, laughter, and endless support. A "die-hard" Wilmington Wildcat fan, she could always be found on the sidelines cheering on her children and their teams.
Above all, Nancy treasured her role as "Nan." Her grandchildren were the light of her life, she loved to spoil them every chance she got and she never missed a recital, school event, sports game, or special moment. Her family fondly remembers "Nan's Christmas" at the Thresher home as one of the most magical days of the year, a true reflection of her giving spirit and love for family.
Nancy was incredibly proud of her children and the wonderful adults and parents they had become. She cherished every moment spent together-whether traveling, celebrating holidays, or supporting and visiting her son Brian during his service in the U.S. Navy.
A talented crafter, Nancy created countless handmade gifts for those she loved. She enjoyed traveling, with her Alaskan cruise alongside Clem standing out as a favorite memory.
Nancy will be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family. Her warmth and kindness touched all who knew her, and her legacy of love will live on through those she held dear.
Nancy's love, laughter, and warmth will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Nancy was the beloved wife of Clement J. "Clem" Thresher; devoted mother of Charisse Delorey and her husband John of Tewksbury, Brian Thresher and his wife Tracy of Chesapeake, VA, her late twin daughters Kristy and Kelly Thresher, Jason Thresher and his wife Janelle of Bolton, and Sheri Murphy and her husband Michael of Tewksbury. Loving "Nan" to Jocelyn, Jordin, Makayla, Jayce, Tristin, Kailyn, Leah, John Ryan, Braeden, Karmin, and Brielle.
Dear sister of the late Gerrit Steenbruggen, the late Ronnie Steenbruggen and his wife Dianne Steenbruggen of Salem, NH, John Steenbruggen and his wife Carol of Wilmington, the late Richard Steenbruggen and his wife Martha Steenbruggen of North Reading, Kenneth Steenbruggen and his wife Nancy of Norwell, James Steenbruggen and his wife Kristin of Reading, and Patricia Neary and her husband Charles of Reading. She was also the sister-in-law of the late Alfred Thresher and is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, November 6th, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Donations in Nancy's memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9188 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com