Nancy F. Binns

BURRILLVILLE - Nancy F. Binns, 75, of Pascoag, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, surrounded by her family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her daughter, Kelly Hunt and her lifelong friend, Kathy Leveille. She also leaves her Goddaughter, Anna Collins.

The daughter of Ruth E. (Ross) Binns and George E. Binns, she was a lifelong fifth generation Burrillville resident. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her brother Bruce Binns and sister Carolyn Binns. She was considered family by many others.

Nancy graduated from Burrillville High School and Smith College. She later went back to school at Yale University to become one of the first to graduate with a Physician Assistant degree.

Nancy dedicated her life to helping others, as evidenced by the many years she volunteered on the Burrillville Ambulance Association, as did her father, George. She worked at Fogarty Memorial Hospital and two local medical practices, retiring after many years in CT. She volunteered countless hours for the Between the Cracks charity variety shows with set design and creations. While on the Board of Directors for the Burrillville Weekend Snack Pack program, which feeds food insecure children throughout the year, she was instrumental in securing grant funding for the program. As a member of Berean Baptist Church for 28 years, she positively impacted virtually every aspect of its life, faith and mission. She sang with the church choir as well as Carillon Women's Chorus.

Nancy was dedicated to the town of Burrillville and its people, serving on the Town council for 12 years and 8 years as council president. While on the Town Council, she was involved in the renovation of the Jesse Smith Library, the Levy Rink, the Callahan School, upgrades to the Burrillville Police Station, the Pascoag Grammar redevelopment and the creation of a new school administration building. She was a leader in the development of Stillwater Heights, the Clock Tower building, Commerce Park, Clear River Park, Crystal Lake Golf course and the expansion of the sewer system. She helped create recreation areas including Hero Park, Bleiweis Park, Gonyea Park and the skateboard park. She also was involved in the Spring Lake Beach renovations, the lighting in Hauser Field and the creation of the bike path.

Nancy was the driving force in passing the town's Marriage Equality Resolution. She also took part in the filming of, and appeared in "The Amazing Life & Times of Austin T. Levy." She has received many awards and citations through the years including Chief Wallace F. Lees Award, The RI Council of Churches Partner in Faith Award, The Blanchard McCutchen Award from Post 88, which is the highest civilian honor.

In 1980, Nancy shared the honor of Citizen of the Year with her father, George. She enjoyed RV camping in Narragansett, Cape Cod and the Coast of Maine, as well as RV trips to Georgia. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. Cooking, baking and gardening were her passions and many have benefited from her talents, as she was always willing to share the fruits of her labor.

Nancy was always ready to lend a hand and help anyone in need. Throughout her life she was a generous supporter of many charitable organizations both local and national. She was happiest when she was spending time with family and friends. With beautiful blue eyes and a smile that would light up the room, she was welcoming to all who crossed her path.

Nancy will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her and especially by her furry friend, Belle.

A funeral service for Nancy will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10 AM in Berean Baptist Church, 474 Chapel St., Harrisville. Burial will take place at a later date. Calling hours will be held Friday, July 22 from 4 to 7 PM in the Boucher Funeral Home, 272 Sayles Ave., Pascoag. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Berean Baptist Church, 474 Chapel St., Harrisville, RI 02830; Burrillville Animal Shelter, 105 Main St., Harrisville, RI 02830 or Burrillville Weekend Snack Pack Program, 200 Clear River Dr., Oakland, RI 02858. www.boucherfh.com