LACONIA ---- Nancy Lee Walker, 90, lifelong resident of the Lakes Region and beloved mother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the St. Francis Nursing Home in Laconia, after a period of declining health.
Born on July 20, 1933, in Laconia, to Irene May Laroche and Earl Myron Wilson, Nancy was the eldest of three children. She attended St. John’s School and was a 1951 graduate of Laconia High School. Nancy is preceded in death by her husbands, Charles W. Garnache, Sr. and Francis C. Walker, as well as her sons, Daniel P. Garnache and Charles W. Garnache, Jr.
Nancy’s life was a beautiful symphony of love and devotion to her faith, family, and music. A talented musician from a young age, Nancy dedicated her life to serving God through her music ministry. She was the Choir Director at Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Lakeport from 1960 through the mid-1970’s and then served as the organist and Music Director at St. Mary’s Church in Tilton for more than forty years. Over the years, her music brightened the happiest of celebrations and served as a balm to people’s souls during their times of sorrow.
Among some of her favorite things, Nancy was known for her love of Sunday afternoon drives, lobster rolls, crossword puzzles, “good, clean” mysteries (which may, or may not, have been enjoyed alongside “the most beautiful cup of coffee” or some “golden brown toast”). She believed deeply in seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Nancy’s grandchildren always knew they had a special place at Nana’s house because she ensured there was a kiddie-sized table and chairs in the heart of her home just for them. Nancy was also a wonderful cook and shared her love of food with her family. To this day, no one has been able to replicate Nancy’s recipe for mashed potatoes, though many have tried. Her beloved home in Tilton was the heart of family gatherings for years, and the memories made there will be cherished forever.
The absolute joy of Nancy’s life was being a mother and Nana, and her legacy of love lives on through her family. She is survived by her children and 21 grandchildren: Cynthia Peoples of West Newfield, ME and her children, Stephen, Carrie, and David; James Garnache (John) of Cape Neddick, ME and his daughter Jennifer; Anne MacLeod of Plainfield, VT and her children, Jessica, Joshua, Julia, and Ian; Marirose Walker (Dan) of Concord, NH, and her children Caitlin and Megan; Kathleen Sherman (Jim) of Gilford, NH and their children Justin and Emily; Nancy Hendryx (Deborah) of Concord, NH, and her children Emma, Ben, and step-daughter Katelyn; Peter Walker (Lisa) of Belmont, NH and his children Ethan, Olivia, and Elias; and Heather Walker-White (Josh) of Concord, NH, and their children Liam and Ella. Nancy is also survived by her granddaughter Montanah Coburn and 12 great-grandchildren: Henry, Fionnley, Dagny, Hazel, Eoghan, Harlow, Noah, Sam, Louis Ace, Breah, Leon, and Louis Francis.
Nancy’s melody may have ceased, but her legacy echoes in those whose lives she touched with her music and in the hearts of those she loved.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00am at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia NH.
Burial will follow mass at St. Lambert Cemetery, Province Street, Laconia, NH.
For those who wish, the family requests memorial donations to be made to the Nancy L. Walker Memorial Music Scholarship c/o the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312 Gilford, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246 is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.