Nancy (Lancaster) Emerson

Nancy (Lancaster) Emerson, 89, Devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Beloved Stepmother, Passes Away

Nancy (Lancaster) Emerson, 89, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 surrounded by her beloved family. A woman of unwavering faith, Nancy’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and devotion to God and family.

Born on February 2, 1935, in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Nancy lived her life guided by her deep faith, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. As a devoted mother to six children and stepmother to four, she raised her family with a strong belief in the Lord and a deep commitment to kindness, compassion, and grace. Her sense of humor, sharp wit, and infectious laughter were a cherished gift that she shared abundantly with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Nancy was a proud member of the Central Congregational Church in Newburyport, MA for over 75 years. Nancy had a sharp mind and loved to spend hours analyzing and putting together the most complex puzzles. Nancy loved to say that she was proud of her “big, happy family” and welcomed all new family members with open arms. Nancy’s brightest moments were any moment possible that she could spend with her “people” as she called her family. Her family will forever remember her as a woman of incredible strength, resilience, and humor who could make them laugh even in the toughest of times.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Donald Emerson, her parents, James and Priscilla Lancaster, and her sister Alice Harris. She is survived by her children: Michael Leary (Rose) of Naples, FL; Diane Gerrish (Chris) of Newbury, MA; Karen Martin (Steve) of Newburyport, MA; Eileen Gurczak (Joe) of Newburyport, MA; Stephen Leary (AnnMarie) of Newburyport, MA; and Brian Leary (Tina) of Amesbury, MA; her stepchildren: Donna Collins of Amesbury, MA; Bruce Emerson of Georgetown, DE; Charles Emerson of Salisbury, MA; and Scott Emerson (Jill) of Seabrook NH. She is also survived by three sisters: Judy Walters of Newburyport, MA; Donna Murphy of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Brenda Marshall (Jim) of Newburyport, MA, as well as her many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 5 to 7 P.M. at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 11 A.M. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport, MA, followed by a Graveside Service at Locust grove Cemetery, Merrimac, MA, where Nancy will be laid to eternal rest next to her dearest mother, Priscilla. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Central Congregational Church Scholarship Fund in Nancy’s memory.

Nancy’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her Lord, and that her love and laughter will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.