Nancy Roy Saunders

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Nancy Roy Saunders, who passed away on January 29, 2025 at the age of 92. Nancy Catherine Roy was born on October 11, 1932, in Lincroft, NJ, to parents J. Philip and Doris (Schellhardt) Roy (deceased). Nancy attended school in New Jersey and later graduated from Newark State Teacher’s College, Newark, NJ. She married Richard R. Saunders (deceased) in 1954 and taught children prior to starting their own family of seven children. Nancy Saunders lived a fulfilling life as a mother, teacher, communicant at St. Christopher Church and Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua, an avid reader and library-goer, and a lover of all things Hollis. Nancy was passionate about teaching. She first taught kindergarten students at Hollis Congregational Church. She was later hired to substitute for a 3rd grade teacher on leave and was subsequently hired at Hollis Elementary School to teach first grade students full-time where she remained for 28 years until her retirement in 1998. Nancy was dedicated to her students and her position as a teacher. She loved her students, and she loved teaching in Hollis. Nancy had a love of birds and fed them from her birdfeeder situated outside a large picture window in the kitchen of her family’s home. She loved animals, even those who stole from the bird feeder. She enjoyed reading books, creating enjoyable dinners for her family, and tending to her potted plants in her backyard. After Nancy retired from teaching, she became a storyteller and traveled to many places to tell stories to audiences of all ages. Nancy loved the beauty and the people of New Hampshire. She truly found a home in this state. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Saunders of Appleton, WI; Kathryn Saunders of Calais, VT; Diana Saunders and husband Bruce Kelsch of Dunnellon, FL; Christopher and Sharon (Bennell) Saunders of Hollis, NH; David Saunders of Pownell, ME; Andrew and Linda (VanDooren) Saunders of Merrimack, NH; and Matthew and Heather (Brewer) Saunders of Brookline, NH; 21 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren, who will miss her dearly. In her last five years, Nancy was cared for by her best friend and former colleague of over 50 years, Phyllis Gray, who was like a sister to her, and who has become a loved and trusted member of the family. A memorial service will be held at Hollis Congregational Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1pm. Light refreshments will be served in Hardy Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Nancy Roy Saunders. Rest in peace, dear mother. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.