It is with sadness the family of Nancy Lee Currell, late of Melvin Village, NH and Moorestown, NJ share the news of her passing at the Florida home of her daughter Lauren, on December 6, 2022 at the age of 89. Nancy was born in Providence, RI on January 12, 1933 to Gwendolyn (O’Neil) Baker and Roswell H. Baker. Growing up in Newton, MA she graduated from Newton High School and continued on to Westbrook Junior College (now the University of New England) majoring in retail. Upon graduation Nancy moved to NYC to work for Northeast Airlines organizing and marketing ski trips to NH and Vermont. On a blind date Nancy met Jim Currell and they were soon married. Six children in 12 years followed along with moves to NJ for the founding of Jim’s company.
Nancy’s innate sense of style and fashion were evident in her home and dress. She was a consummate hostess welcoming family, friends and neighbors to their homes in Moorestown NJ and Melvin Village NH.
Nancy and Jim’s camp and then retirement home on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee was the center of family activities, most notably a 4th of July annual celebration complete with fireworks and the firing of the famous “Currell Cannon”. Social life often centered around golf and the various golf clubs of which they were members. A witty sense of humor and frequent loud laughter will be so missed. Grammar, spelling and word games were of special interest to Mom and none of us were spared a timely correction of the proper use of the English language! Crossword puzzles and of course Words with Friends occupied time into the wee hours - ping! Her many talents included delicious cooking, fine homemaking, bargain shopping whether for new or previously loved items. She was always generous with her time and gift giving. She dabbled in piano playing, oil painting and enjoyed growing flowers.
Nancy was above all a loving and devoted wife, mother and “Nanni”. She and her husband Jim gave their children lives of great experiences. Nancy was Classy, Funny, Smart and always up for a game of cards, scrabble or a martini. Her advocacy for hard of hearing and deaf children culminated in the development of fair and equal education for deaf and hard of hearing students in Moorestown, NJ.
Nancy was predeceased by an infant brother, her parents, her devoted husband Jim and a daughter Nancy Jeanne. She is survived by 5 children, Cynthia Grigel(James), Lauren Currell, James B. Currell, Tracey Hart and Suzanne (Jarod) Vanna as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A family celebration of life and graveside service is planned for the summer in NH. Donations in Mom’s name can be made to the Clarke School for the Deaf or the charity of one’s choice.