FRIENDSHIP — Nancy B. Spooner, 88, died peacefully in her sleep early on March 7, 2017, after a brief stay in hospice, at the Sussman Hospice House in Rockport.

Born June 15, 1928, in Waterbury, Conn., Nancy was the only child of the Rev. Samuel A. Budde and Dorothy Coulter Budde. Educated locally, she attended high school at St. Margaret's School, after which she continued her studies at Connecticut College for Women, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1950. Her passion for art led her to pursue a Master of Fine Arts from Hartford Art School.

On Nov. 8, 1952, Nancy married Robert James Spooner in Waterbury, Conn. Together Bob and Nancy made their home in Essex, Conn., where they lived for their entire married life.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Nancy kept busy cultivating beautiful flower gardens around her home. She continued her love of art, and was an accomplished oil painter. Nancy was also very knowledgeable in the field of antiques. She had a keen eye for their history and beauty, and as a result developed a vast collection of treasures. As a young girl, Nancy was blessed to spend summers on the coast of Maine with her family. She fell in love with the beauty of this place, and after her marriage to Robert, the pair continued the tradition of summering here. Together they spent countless hours sailing the coast and sitting by the seashore while she painted beautiful landscapes. Their beloved summer house in Friendship became the hub for family gatherings and holidays.

Nancy will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband; and a daughter, Jennifer Klotzsch; Nancy is survived by her daughters, Jill Quillin and her husband, Michael, of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Jamie Spooner and her partner, Carolyn Mayes, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Friendship; two grandsons, Nathaniel Quillin of Portland, Ore., and Maxwell Quillin of Walnut Creek, Calif.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held Saturday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex, Conn., with a reception following at the Lay House above the Connecticut River Museum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sussman House, c/o Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.