Nancy L. (Lawrence) Stanhope, 82, of Pleasant St., died peacefully at home under the loving care of her family on Thursday, April 18, 2013, after an extended illness. Born and raised in Worcester, Nancy was the daughter of J. Richard and Doretha (Gleason) Lawrence and lived 46 years in Paxton.
Nancy graduated from South High School in Worcester and Westbrook College in Westbrook, Maine and after raising her family she worked in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for 15 years.
She will be remembered for her compassion and many kindnesses to others as well as being a volunteer for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Worcester for 30 years. With her husband, Alan, she was a volunteer for the Meals-on-Wheels program at the Paxton Senior Center for 18 years. She was a talented alto singer and was a member of various choirs over the years including the Worcester Chorus. She was devoted to her faith and was a member of the Grace Communion Church in Holden.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alan E. Stanhope; a son, Adam E. Stanhope and his husband Dale Gonyea of Sturbridge; a daughter, Bethanne Palmerino and her husband Mark of Holden; four grandchildren, Janna Merk, Daniel Stanhope, Emily Palmerino and Timothy Palmerino; five great -grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Jane Stanhope Ring of Leicester. Nancy was predeceased by a son, Andrew L. Stanhope.
A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main St., Holden, with Pastor Bill Ford officiating. Interment will be private at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 799 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.