ROCKPORT — Nancy Kay Strong, 79, of Rockport, passed away from this earthly life entering the presence of her loving Lord on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Dick, who was her life partner and best friend for 58 years. Also, by her side was her loving family.

Nancy was born on January 6, 1940 in East Orange, New Jersey to the Rev. Richard and Emily Gray. She graduated from Girl’s High in Philadelphia, and also earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in English from Wheaten College in 1961. She was an elementary school teacher in Maine briefly before moving to Maryland where she also taught in various schools as a substitute teacher. Nancy had a love for reading and learning and found teaching very rewarding. She particularly enjoyed working on a long-term substitute teaching assignment working with students with disabilities. Nancy by far valued her time as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker
for her family.

Nancy had a big colorful personality. She was a very fun-loving, creative, stylish, highly competitive, intelligent woman who was first devoted to her loving God through her personal relationship with Christ, and then
faithfully to her husband and family. She was gifted in artistic expression including painting, stained glass, sewing, needlepoint, and knitting. In her earlier years, Nancy enjoyed being active playing tennis and skiing,
and she always loved boating and playing cards and board games with her family. Nancy had a soft heart for dogs, and especially for her sweet doggie ‘Coco’.

Nancy loved her dear church family at Chestnut Street Baptist Church, and enjoyed singing tenor in the choir.

She was involved with numerous community groups over the years. She greatly enjoyed singing with the Down East Singers. Most recently she enjoyed fellowshipping with the women in her bridge club and book club.

Nancy is survived by her family who will miss her vibrant presence greatly. Her family includes two children: her son, Scott Strong and his wife Lorrie, and her daughter, Suzanne Schwartz and her husband Robert. She was
also blessed with three granddaughters, Rebecca Schwartz, Nancy Schwartz, and Grace Strong.

In addition, she is survived by her brother Rev. Richard (Mac) Gray and his wife Karen; her sister-in-law Linda Gray, brother-in-law Bruce Strong, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Gray, and sister-in-law, Joni Strong.

Nancy at the very end of her life had an assurance and a peace that passes all earthly understanding and that only came from personally knowing and trusting her loving God through his son Jesus. She had run the race of
this life and was ready to go to her eternal home. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6.

A Memorial Service celebrating Nancy’s life and worshiping her faithful Lord together, will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 4 p.m., at Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Camden. This service will be immediately
followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation to Chestnut Street Baptist Church, 29 Chestnut Street, Camden, Maine 04843, with a notation on the check in Nancy Strong’s memory.Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Strong family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.