Nancy J. Acquaviva, 47 of East Hampstead, died at home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born August 15, 1964 in Haverhill, MA and was a daughter of Constance M. (Murphy) Riley, and the late Walter E. Riley. Nancy was raised and educated in Kingston, NH. She developed her love of flowers growing up at Riley’s Nursery in Kingston. She was a graduate of Sanborn Regional High School then received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Salem State College.
Nancy spent her working life dedicated to teaching pre-school aged children and was the owner of Kids Come First of Salem, NH. She was active with the NH Department of Education ECE (Early Childhood Education) and helped regulate proper curriculum for pre-school programs. Nancy loved flowers and spent many hours tending her gardens surrounding her home. She especially loved daisies which were prominent in her gardens. She was especially proud of her antique home which she had decorated with period furniture and pieces. She enjoyed making country crafts and jewelry. Nancy had a tremendous love of animals and enjoyed her beloved cat, rabbits, chickens, cockatiel and 2 new hamsters.
Nancy will forever be remembered as a loving wife and life partner to her husband, Paul. She was an enormously giving person who had a special talent and passion for teaching children. Nancy was blessed to have been surrounded by many close friends, whom she considered to be her extended family. If you could measure a person by the many friends she left behind, Nancy would have been considered to have lived a rich and full life.
In addition to her mother of Sebastian, FL, members of the family include her beloved husband, and best friend for 30 years, Paul G. Acquaviva, of East Hampstead, a sister and her husband, Debora and Stephen Flynn of Davenport, FL, a brother Walter R. Riley of Raymond, NH, and her family and very many friends.
Calling hours were Wednesday March 14, 2012 from 5 to 7pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A celebration of her life was held Thursday at 11 AM at the East Hampstead Union Church, 225-229 East Main St., Route 121A, E. Hampstead, NH. Donations in her memory may be made to the NHSPCA 104 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham, NH 03885.