Published in the July 22, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Elizabeth D. “Libby” (Drowne) Nash, a resident of Melrose and formerly of Tuftonboro, N.H., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 17, after recently celebrating her 103rd birthday.
Born on July 13, 1913, Elizabeth was one of three children of the late Edwin S. and Ethel M. (Hasbrouck) Drowne. She was raised and educated in Newton, graduated from Wheelock College, and became a teacher. Mrs. Nash worked for many years as a nursery school teacher, first at her mother’s nursery school, the Ethel Drowne Nursery School, and later at Second Church in Newton. She was married in 1935 to Donald M. Nash and they raised a family of three daughters in Newton.
Visiting with her parents from a young age, Tuftonboro, N.H. held a special place in Libby’s heart throughout her 103 years. Libby continued the tradition of visiting during the summer with her own family and passed the love for the area down to her family. After living in Newton for many years, she and Donald retired to Tuftonboro in 1978.
A true nature lover, Libby always enjoyed the close-knit Tuftonboro community, and being surrounded by nature. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, stocking the birdfeeders and keeping an eye out for animals, especially during bear season.
Libby also became an active and sociable part of the Tuftonboro community. She volunteered with the historical society, was a member of “the Hikers,” and was an active member of the Melvin Village Community Church. Always friendly and caring to everyone, Libby made many friends everywhere she went and everyone just loved her. She enjoyed regular walks with her friends and neighbors, many of whom she kept in touch with after moving from Tuftonboro.
A family-centered woman, Libby cherished any time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made many quilts for her great-grandchildren and was famous for her love of baking cookies. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and never missed a local event. She made herself part of the Tuftonboro community and later, after moving to Melrose, became a well-liked resident of the Fuller House for 13 years.
Libby was generous, caring, kind and was always welcoming to her family and friends. With her unconditional kindness and caring nature, Libby’s long and well lived life was an inspiration for everyone who met her. She will be missed but was much loved by all.
Libby was the beloved wife of the late Donald M. Nash with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Nancy N. Kershaw and her late husband Robert of Melrose, Shirley N. Murray and her late husband Richard of Hudson and the late Linda D. Boucher. She was the dear sister of the late Edwin S. Drowne Jr., and the late Vernon E. Drowne. She was the cherished grandmother of Lisa Walsh, Robert Kershaw, Richard Murray Jr., Kenneth Murray, Steven Murray, Christine Leduc, Betsy Dragone, Sheri Boucher and Bonnie Murphy. She was the loving great-grandmother of Samantha, Allison, Melissa, Lauren, Brian, Christoph, Robert, Jade, Leanne, Clarissa, Ashley, Amanda, Emily, Lily, Jack, Abby, Nicholas, Anthony, Zachary, Tiffany, Lindzie, Corey, Kelsey and Alex.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Libby’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, July 21 from 9-11 a.m., followed by her Life Celebration at 11 a.m. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
