Donoghue, Nancy
Nancy A. (O'Neill) Donoghue, 73, of Canton, devoted wife of Attorney Michael J. Donoghue, died Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at home surrounded by her beloved family. She was born June 27, 1947, daughter of the late Benjamin and Madeleine O'Neill. Nancy had lived in West Medford, MA, Boston, MA, and West Hartford, CT prior to moving to Canton 47 years ago. Nancy was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1965, and graduated Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, MA in 1969.
Nancy spent her life as a fervent supporter of the Arts, channeling her generous creative spirit via work at the Farmington Art Guild, the Gallery on the Green in Canton, and other Arts Centers throughout the Farmington Valley. Nancy also championed the Literary Arts and her love of reading in her career at the Canton Public Library and on its Board of Trustees, working with the Connecticut Library Consortium as well. In addition to these roles, Nancy also worked tirelessly in support of the League of Women Voters over several decades.
Nancy had an incredible and undeniable impact on all who came into contact with her, no matter how briefly. Her smile lit up every room she walked in to, shedding light and positivity on all she encountered. She had an uncanny gift for making anyone in her presence feel special, brightening their day with laughter and genuine interest in who they are as a person. She had a true appreciation for the little things in life, wanting to share stories and experiences with close friends and complete strangers alike. In her later years, Nancy was known for charming her nurses and other medical personnel, truly making an impression everywhere she went.
More than anything else in the world, Nancy loved spending time with her family, who will hold her in their hearts each and every day. In addition to her loving husband Michael, she is survived by her children, Heather Guerette (husband Phil) of West Hartford, and Bryan Donoghue of San Francisco, CA; and her sister Susan O'Neill of Brewster, MA. She adored the frequent occasions upon which her extended family could gather and spend time together. Most of all, Nancy cherished her role as “Nana”, doting on her beautiful granddaughter Maya, her step-grandson Brody, and her many nieces and nephews, who referred to her lovingly as “Crazy Auntie Nancy” - bringing love, endless laughter, and instilling her sincere passion for the arts into the youngest generation of her family.
A private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family, with plans for a memorial celebration with friends and family to be held in late June. Memorial donations may be sent to the Nancy Donoghue Memorial Fund, c/o Collinsville Bank, P.O. Box 350, Canton CT 06019. For information regarding donations or the memorial celebration, please e-mail nancydonoghuememorial@gmail.com. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com