Nancy Hanks Cragen Jacobs, 88, of Oxford, CT passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, CT, surrounded by her loving family on April 8, 2014. She was the beloved wife of Burton E. Jacobs for sixty-seven years. They were reunited in heaven on January 21, 2019.
Nancy was born on December 5, 1925 in Queens, NY, the daughter of the late John E. and Florence Hanks Cragen. As the daughter of a Navy officer, she was able to travel extensively and this instilled in her the love of adventure. She would say she was never lost – she was exploring. Ultimately, her travels lead her to Bristol, VT where she was a member of the graduating class of 1943.
Her caring and compassionate nature led her to pursue a career in nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in NY. Nancy also earned a degree in English Literature at Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a Masters of Education at William Patterson College. She used her degrees in a broad manner, including teaching English and French, working in hospitals and doctor’s offices, private duty, visiting nursing, as an Oncology Nurse Clinician, and as a nurse educator. She retired at the age of 73 as a Hospice nurse.
Nancy was an expert seamstress who created her own patterns for anything from clothing and stuffed animals to slip covers. She was proud of her Navy background and found joy in attending submarine launches. She loved to shop and find new places to eat. As short as she was, no one could keep up with her in a mall. Her greatest joys were her husband and family.
Nancy imparted her deep appreciation for the arts, music, theater, literature, and pursuit of knowledge onto her family. She also knew the value of hard work and was an equal partner to her husband Burton with any and all projects. Together, they tackled home remodeling and maintenance, antique restoration and harvesting the garden. Her boundless capacity for fun was matched only by her compassionate and generous nature.
“Nana” is remembered with love by her daughter, Nancy Catherine (James E. “Mickey”) Boudreau of Waynesburg, PA; her son, Burton E. Jacobs, Jr. of Oxford, CT; her sister-in-law, Carol Burbank of Williston, VT; her grandchildren, Lisa (Jeff) McMeans, Grant (Tammy) Boudreau and Ryan Boudreau; her great grandson, Jacob McMeans; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Betty Cragen Cooper and Mary Cragen Goodyear; her brother, John E. Cragen II; and nephew Glynn Richard Cragen.
A graveside service was held on May 10, 2014 at the Greenwood Cemetery, Bristol, VT. Arrangements were handled by Brown-McClay Funeral Homes, Inc.
I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. One encouraging thought you might find comforting is found at John 5:28, 29. “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” God gives us this beautiful hope that he will soon resurrect our dead loved ones and we can see them again on a paradise earth! I hope this promise brings you comfort as it does me.