Nancy Looby, née Godfrey, passed away
peacefully on March 8, 2024, in Burlington, Vt., after a brief
illness. Nancy was born in St. Albans, Vt., on June 7, 1935, the
daughter of the late Arthur and Evelyn (Lambert) Godfrey.
Nancy
grew up in Swanton, Vt., surrounded by loving relatives. Nancy
especially enjoyed her time with her grandparents Clifton and
Florence Lambert, grandmother Alma Godfrey, and her cousin Ted
Lapier, who was like a brother. Nancy graduated from Swanton High
School and Vermont Junior College. She worked briefly as a medical
secretary before meeting the love of her life, Clement Looby.
Three
short months after meeting, Clem proposed to Nancy, and on September
15, 1956, they married in Swanton, Vt. Clem and Nancy’s marriage
was an inspiration to many. They loved each other deeply, and their
love extended outward to their children, grandchildren, sons-in-law,
daughter-in-law, extended family and friends. They opened their house
to numerous people for dinner or a stay. Nancy loved to feed people
and always had a meal, with more than enough left over, for anyone in
her home. Every night, Clem and Nancy would sit down before dinner,
have a cocktail and “visit.” It was not unusual for friends to
stop by to join them. To this day, we smile when we talk about how
they would “sit and visit.”
Nancy
read voraciously. Typically, she could be found reading more than one
book at the same time. She passed down her love of reading to her
children and grandchildren. She worked as a children’s librarian at
the library during summers and as a substitute librarian during the
school year. Nancy’s love of books and instilling her love of
reading in others led her to return to college; she graduated with
honors from Trinity College of Vermont with a double major in
elementary education and psychology. She tutored many students in
reading and writing. Nancy loved all types of books but especially
mysteries and cookbooks. Even toward the end of her life, she read
constantly and found an interest in World War II history books and
anything about Winston Churchill. She even took an interest in
medical textbooks. Whenever her children were ill, she would read to
us, no matter our age. It was always comforting to hear her share the
books from her childhood.
Most
important to Nancy was her family and a welcoming home. She loved her
children deeply and became involved in what they did. Nancy was a Cub
Scout troop leader, Girl Scout leader, homeroom mother, Sunday school
teacher and softball coach, among the many roles she played. She
cheered her children from the sidelines and attended every event in
which we were involved. When she had grandchildren, she loved each of
them so very much. Nancy also loved animals, especially cats and her
beloved dog, Harris. Nancy and Clem supported the Humane Society
throughout their lives.
Nancy will be missed by many. She is
survived by her children, Lorraine (Michael) Cunningham, Theodore
(Winnie) Looby, and Andrea (Jay) Amicangelo; grandchildren, Aaron,
Kate and Sean Cunningham; Charlotte, Russell, Josephine and Desmond
Looby; and Wesley Amicangelo; and her beloved cat, Gracie. What gives
us comfort is that Nancy and Clem are reunited, talking about their
day, as they sit and visit for eternity.
A
graveside service and celebration of life will be scheduled this
summer. Nancy hated cold weather and dark colors. She would love
everyone to gather, eat, wear bright colorful clothes, and, of
course, sit and visit. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the
Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Ct., South
Burlington, VT, or your favorite animal shelter.
This article appears in Kids VT, Spring 2024.