Nancy Mignault
Preston — Nancy Jean Mignault, 60, of Preston died Saturday, March 13, 2021, at home in her sleep.
Nancy was born April 27, 1960. She was the seventh child and youngest daughter of Henry and Louise Yerrington, devout wife to Brian Mignault, compassionate mother to Brian Jr. “B.K.,” Patrick and Marc, and doting grandmother to Campbell, Sutton, Nora and Garrett. She is also survived by seven brothers and sisters: Sandee Kirchner, Susan Wirth, Cathy Bakke, Diane Majcher, Jimmy Yerrington, Tommy Yerrington and Charlie Yerrington.
Nancy was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, and her faith served as her compass throughout her life. She was born in Norwich, grew up in Preston, and continued to live her entire adult life in Preston. Preston meant the world to Nancy. From McClimon Road to Bunny Road, the sounds and seasons of the town always brought her immense joy. From peeper frogs to foliage, Preston forever had her heart and was always home.
Nancy dedicated her life to others, especially children.
She committed 23 years to the Catholic Church at St. Catherine’s of Sienna as pastoral associate and director of faith formation. Developing the faith of the town’s youth was her professional passion, and countless young people benefited from her guidance. Baptisms, first communions and confirmations were all proud moments for Nancy, especially when she had the opportunity to see a child through each of his or her sacraments. The St. Catherine’s summer festival and 5K road race were annual events that Nancy would consistently have circled on her calendar.
The greatest happiness in Nancy’s life revolved around her family. Her husband, her boys, their wives and her grandchildren were the light of her life. Trips to Old Sturbridge Village, Block Island, Colonial Williamsburg, Disney World and Universal Studios were all cherished memories. Closer to home, it was the times when her family was all together at the beach in Watch Hill, R.I., or sharing laughs over a plate of pasta and homemade sauce that brought the biggest smile to her face. Her boys knew exactly where on the chain-linked fence to look during each Ledyard High School football game to find their fiercest fan. They also knew where their first hug would come from, no matter the finish on the field.
Almost 10 years ago, Nancy transitioned from Mom to Meme, a role she was born to fulfill. Although often physically apart from her grandchildren, her love could not have been closer. When together, her tender touch, tone and embrace encircled her grandchildren with a warmth that could only come from Meme. Campbell, Sutton, Nora and Garrett will always be blessed to have had the time they did with her, and although that time ended far too soon, their lives will always be marked by moments with Meme.
Nancy’s visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Church & Allen in Norwich. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich. The family requests memorials in her honor be provided to the food pantry and soup kitchen at St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich. Donations can be made at https://www.svdpp.org.
Nancy passed with Jesus Christ in and on her heart. It brings her family great comfort knowing that Christ, whom she served so selflessly throughout her life, will now be able to provide her lasting peace, forever and always.