It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Nancy E. (Fors) Willett, 78, of Worcester, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 12, 2026. 

Nancy leaves her husband and love of her life of 56 years Brian Willett; three daughters, Tracy Hennessey and her husband Peter of Flagler Beach, Fla., Kelly Powers and her husband Shane of Palm Coast, Fla., and Kristen Joly and her husband B.J. of Worcester; seven grandchildren, Emily Grinstead and her husband Silas, Patrick Callahan, Joey Powers, Mackenzi Callahan, Marykate Callahan, Zach Joly and Jacoby Joly; a step-grandson John Callahan; and a great-granddaughter Lyla Grinstead; two sisters, Linda Holt and her best friend Karen Fors, two brothers, Richard Fors and his wife June and David Fors; and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was born in Worcester, the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Petrides) Fors, and lived in Worcester all her life.

She attended Burncoat Sr. High School and became a member of its first graduating class. She later attended the Rob Roy Academy in Worcester and was a hairdresser working alongside her Mother running their salon the Gold Star Beauty Shop in Worcester into the 1980s. After closing the salon she opened a day-care program in her home. Nanny, as she was called by the children she cared for created a loving, nurturing environment for many neighborhood children through the years including her own grandchildren 

Nancy was the heart of her family, and her home was where holidays, milestones, and memories were made. She was the backbone of every gathering, always bringing loved ones together. Nancy shared a special bond with each one of her daughters and grandchildren and her sister whom she would not go a day without speaking to. 

Brian and Nancy were high school sweethearts who have been together since 1963. Together they created a beautiful life for their three daughters where the biggest lesson taught was true unconditional love. 

Calling hours are Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. A prayer service will follow in the funeral home at Noon. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

The family would like to invite you all back to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 53 Norfolk St., Worcester, MA 01604 at 2:00 PM to share memories and celebrate Nancy’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org).