Nancy Grace (Perry) Kangas

Nancy Grace (Perry) Kangas, longtime resident of Sunapee, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 4^th, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born in Fairfield, CT on May 22^nd, 1941, daughter of Francis M. and Theresa (Sonnenberg) Perry. As a child, Nancy enjoyed playing field hockey and often went boating on the Long Island Sound. In her late teenage years, Nancy moved with her family to Newport, NH. She worked at Dorr Woolen Mill briefly before attending Nyack College in New York. During her schooling, Nancy also worked part time as a nurse’s assistant. After college, Nancy became a social worker for the State of New Hampshire and thoroughly enjoyed her job helping others. In 1973, Nancy met and married the love of her life, Walter Kangas, and moved to Sunapee, where they were to raise their two children, Wesley and Wendell.

Nancy was an extremely creative woman, never without a project at hand. She especially enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, and gardening. Living on a small family farm, Nancy also enjoyed canning produce from the vegetable garden to be used all year long, as well as making jams and jellies. She always made sure there was a supply of chocolate chip cookies to offer her grandchildren and others that were visiting.

After travelling throughout Sullivan County for 31 years advocating for those in need, Nancy decided to retire and enjoy the winter months with her husband in Avon Park, FL. Nancy was a devout Christian and was active in several local churches throughout the years. In her retirement years, she enjoyed genealogy and collecting stamps, while also volunteering at the Senior Center in Avon Park. Living in New Hampshire for the summer months, Nancy looked forward to spending time with her three grandchildren.

Nancy leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Walter Kangas of Sunapee; her two adult sons Wesley and Wendell, also of Sunapee; two grandsons, Wesley Jr. and Devon; a granddaughter Adrianna; a sister, Susan (Perry) Near of Columbus, GA, and two brothers, Peter Perry of Newport, and Francis Perry of Yellville, AR. She also leaves behind five stepchildren, William Kangas, Kathleen Butler, Kelly Mcclure, Doreen Augustine, and Bethany Dilley, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nancy is preceded in death by her brother, Donald Perry, and sister, Mary-Jane LaJoice.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held for Nancy on September 28^th, 2019 at the Kangas residence in Sunapee, NH from 2-4pm. All are welcome.

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