Nancy Pierce Lilien, age 78, of Carlisle, died on September 17, 2024, following a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. She is fondly remembered for her vibrant life and enduring legacy. She was the wife and best friend of the late Elliot S. Lilien, who predeceased her in 2023.
Born in Worcester on August 14, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Harrison and Margaret (Gifford) Pierce. After graduating from North High School in Worcester, Nancy pursued a bachelor’s degree from Lake Erie College, class of 1968. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Lesley College in Cambridge in 1977.
A dedicated and beloved teacher, Nancy taught fourth grade at Alcott Elementary School for decades. She found joy and purpose in her profession, impacting countless students’ lives in the community she adored. She considered her career the best job in the world. Nancy was grateful to teach in a wonderful community. She treasured the connections made with her students and colleagues who became dear friends.
Nancy and Elliot made many memories and cherished friends in their favorite place in Lovell, Maine. Together, they enjoyed extensive travel, visiting friends and family, exploring museums, attending tennis tournaments, football, and basketball games. A particular highlight for Nancy was traveling to New Zealand. She loved gardening, sewing, quilting, reading, and completing puzzles. She also loved the many dogs who graced her life over the years: Nutley Beagledore, York C. Labrador, and Barney.
Nancy was the youngest of four siblings. She is survived by her sister, Mary Riney, and her husband David of La Jolla, California, and a brother, Harry Pierce and his wife, Betty, of Shrewsbury. She was the sister of the late Gifford Pierce. She leaves several nieces and a nephew: Lisa Pendleton Kearns and her husband Andy, Laurie Pendleton Strauch and her husband Mark; Jennifer Pendleton Whitmer, and Julie Pendleton Laux and her husband Brandon, all of California; Lynn Keeley and her husband Brian, and Andy Pierce and his wife Sue of Massachusetts. Nancy also leaves her treasured great nieces and nephews from near and far. She loved following all their activities over the years.
In addition to her family, Nancy leaves a truly extraordinary circle of friends — friends that breathed life and love into her last few months with their visits, phone calls, texts, voice messages, luncheons, and special adventures.
The memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., November 9, 2024 at the sanctuary of the First Religious Society in Carlisle. There will be a reception immediately following the ceremony in the main hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Nancy’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
