Nancy Ann (Perkins) Rickard

Nancy Ann Perkins Rickard, 78, passed away at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, NH on May 17, 2020.  Nancy was born in Watertown, NY on November 23, 1941 to Lloyd Augustus Perkins and Harriet Sybil (Seavey) Perkins. 

Her father served in the army, so she traveled with her family frequently while growing up.  They lived in many places, including post WWII Japan and Germany during the late 1940s and the early 1950s. Between postings, her family often returned to Milford, NH to stay with her maternal grandparents, the Seavey’s, and spent the war years living in Milford.  Her high school years were spent in Peterborough, NH where she graduated from Peterborough High School in 1959.  She was also a camp counselor and junior lifeguard in her teen years.

She attended Keene State College, graduating with a BS in education in 1973.  She taught the 1st and 2nd grades at Goshen-Lempster cooperative school for 27 years, retiring in 2001. Nancy loved teaching and is still fondly remembered by many of her former students. 

She was very curious and loved to read and learn.  She pursued numerous interests over the years including pottery, wood carving, etching, architectural design, drawing, gardening, golfing, fishing, braiding floor mats and playing Pitch.

She sewed and created elaborate costumes for school Halloween parties over the years as well as for her children’s theatrical and musical performances. 

She loved music and theater, even occasionally performing in community plays. For many years, she played Mrs. Claus for the school holiday fair.  

She loved to cook, experimenting with flavors and cuisines from around the world. She particularly enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to cook as they grew. Nancy was in her element when planning and putting on a party. She loved her family and friends and they loved her. 

Nancy is predeceased by her parents and husband of 59 years, Kenneth Rickard.

She is survived by her daughter Cathleen and her husband John Pearsall of Milford, NH; her son Kevin Rickard and his wife Elaine of Sunapee; her grandchildren Juliet and Bethany Pearsall, Benjamin and Suzanne Rickard.  She also leaves a brother; Roger Perkins and his wife Lynn of Flagstaff, AZ and two sisters Patricia Durling of Keene, NH and Susan Kennedy of Marlborough, NH, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Nancy’s memory to Jake Maxfield Connection at https://www.jakemaxfield.org/donate

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