ROCKPORT — Nancy J. Whitson, 85, died May 17, 2015, at Owls Head Homestead, from complications of a stroke suffered in January.

Born June 23, 1929, in Teaneck, N.J., she was the daughter of Frank E. and Irma F. Jordan. She grew up in Teaneck, graduating from Teaneck High School in 1947. She graduated from Douglas College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

On Aug. 19, 1950, she married David C. Whitson. After finishing college, they moved to Toms River, N.J., where their children were born. Nancy devoted herself to raising their children and supporting Dave in his career. An enthusiastic mother, she involved her children in many activities and participated or volunteered within those activities. She was an encouraging, supportive mom, her children's biggest cheerleader.

When the family moved to Union in 1971, she threw herself into her new life. Continuing with her children's activities she was also able to foster her passion for nature and a healthy lifestyle. She raised a large vegetable garden and made the most delicious jam from raspberries picked off the bushes surrounding the farm pond. She also started her collection of pieces for her nature shelf, a project she continued throughout her life and loved sharing with her grandchildren. The family then moved in 1976 to Rockport, where Nancy was able to indulge in some of her own interests.

Nancy joined the choir at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, combining her love of music and church. A lifelong, faithful Episcopalian, she had a strong devotion to the church. Along with the choir she participated in annual fairs, bible studies and seasonal dinners. She relished her many friendships within the church.

The move to Rockport also enabled Nancy to volunteer and work at the Rockport Public Library. She enjoyed many years there, retiring in 2011.

Music was always an integral part of Nancy's life. During opera season, the Metropolitan Opera could be heard throughout the house on Saturday afternoons and when the Strand began streaming live performances she had season tickets.

Family for Nancy always included pets. One of her favorite childhood stories was about the evening her father came home from work with a Scottie puppy in his pocket. From that time on there was always a dog or cat in her life, usually both.

She was predeceased by her husband, David C. Whitson; and her son, Thomas D. Whitson.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Laura Lawson and her husband, Ken, of Duxbury, Mass., and Mary Lou French and her husband, Joe, of Rockport; her grandchildren, Joe French Jr and his wife, Abby, of Apex, N.C., Laura French and her longtime boyfriend, Wyatt Philbrook, of Rockport, and Madison Lawson, Perry Lawson and Brie Lawson, all of Duxbury, Mass.; her sister, Sally Deniz and her husband, Claude, of Tucson, Ariz., and her brother-in-law, William Whitson and his wife, Susie, of Forked River, N.J.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden with the Rev. John Rafter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center in Rockport, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden or Rockport Public Library.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.