Nancy Catherine Melrose Obituary | May 3, 2026
Nancy Catherine Melrose, 76, of Avon, left us on May 3, 2026, after a full, spirited life defined by grit, grace, and a bit of a lead foot.
Born the third of seven children, Nancy grew up in Simsbury in a house brimming with life. She lived with a bold, independent spirit and a love for the rumble of a V8 engine. Family lore fondly remembers her fearless streak—specifically the time she was caught spinning donuts in a parking lot in her father’s late-1960s Mustang.
At 15, Nancy’s life took a sharp turn with the onset of kidney disease. She met every medical hurdle with steady determination. At 22, she received a kidney transplant from her brother, Joe, and 34 years later, a second from her sister, Liz. These incredible gifts allowed her to raise her children, earn her LPN from St. Joseph’s, and pursue a career in nursing. Whether she was on the tennis courts, the ski slopes of Vermont, or rollerblading through the neighborhood, she never let her health define her.
Nancy was a proud member of the “first platoon” of the Melrose seven. She is survived by her siblings in the “second platoon”: Sally Melrose, John (Carolyn) Melrose, Barbara (James) Blanchette, and Elizabeth Melrose. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews with whom she shared close, special bonds and countless laughs. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Barbara, and siblings Joe Melrose and Pam (Robert) Koberg.
Her greatest legacy remains her children, Joseph (Moriah) Gillis and Jane (Kimberly) Palmer, and her beloved grandchildren: Celia, Callie, Natalie, Finn, and Travis. To them, she was “Nana,” a constant and cherished presence.
In later years, Nancy found joy in the quiet: watching birds, knitting, tending to her vegetable garden (as her dad did before her), and cooking favorite meals for those she loved. She was also a master of the hunt at Farmington Valley thrift shops; a true expert on the bargain, she would likely be aghast at the cost of this obituary.
Nancy was called home quickly on the afternoon of May 3. We take comfort knowing she is no longer burdened by the discomforts of her physical body and is reunited with her loved ones and her favorite dog, Jillian.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury, followed by burial at Simsbury Cemetery.
