Nancy Catherine Welch

April 9, 1936 - March 5, 2026

Nancy Catherine Welch passed away peacefully at her home in Whiting, New Jersey, one month shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on April 9, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Sylvester H. Blackwood and Bertha M. (née Leahey) Blackwood. She later married the love of her life, the late D. Michael Welch, with whom she built a life centered on their family in South Plainfield, New Jersey.

Nancy spent many years working at ACME Markets. ACME became something of a family tradition, as her husband and children also worked there over the years. To Nancy, work was never just about a job-it was about supporting her family and building a life together.

But Nancy's greatest joy was always her family. She loved nothing more than having her children and grandchildren around her. She loved to travel and didn't shy away from adventure. She found happiness in the little things-tending to her flowers, sitting outside on a sunny afternoon, reading, the Jersey Shore and enjoying the beauty of nature. Even in her later years, Nancy remained sharp and curious, staying connected with family and friends through social media and keeping up with the world around her.

After retiring, Nancy sold the family home in South Plainfield and moved to Hunterdon County, where she spent ten happy years before eventually moving to Whiting. Wherever she lived, she created the same warmth and comfort that had always defined her home.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, D. Michael Welch; her parents, Bertha and Sylvester Blackwood; her sister, Barbara Perrette; and her brother, Brud Blackwood.

She leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward: her children Jeffrey Welch and his wife Michele; Judy Bass and her husband Karl; Ned Welch and his partner James Condos; Michele Josephsen and her husband John; Jonathan Welch; Carolyn Hedrick and her husband Jeff.

Known lovingly as both Mamaw and Nana, she was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren-Heather Huntley, Jenny Welch, Corey Bass, Jenna Bass, Michael Josephsen, Connor Josephsen, Katie Welch, Jonny Welch, Christopher Hedrick, and Haley Hedrick-and thirteen great-grandchildren who brought her endless pride and happiness.

Nancy's life was not measured by grand gestures, but by the countless small ways she showed love-through her steady presence, her gentle encouragement, and the home she built for the people she cherished most. Her family will forever remember the comfort of her voice, the warmth of her smile, and the love that surrounded her.

She will be deeply missed, and forever remembered by her family and friends, but her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 10th from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm with a funeral mass starting at 12:00pm. All services will be held directly at The Church of Saint Ann, located at 6 Church Street, Hampton NJ 08827. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Martin Funeral Home, Clinton NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name may be made to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way, PO Box 43, Forked River, NJ 08731.