Nancy Crandall

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Nancy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who deeply cherished her family and friends, as well as her many students.

Nancy Elizabeth Crandall, 85, of Massachusetts, and formerly of Rutland, Vermont, passed away on July 30, 2026, at Madonna Manor in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Nancy was born on June 10, 1941, in Rutland, Vermont; the daughter of Carl and Catherine “Cassie” (Dunn) Parsons. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in1959, and being a devout Catholic, she entered the convent; while there, she pursued a career in education and began teaching at MSJ, then at Bennington Catholic High School. After many years, Nancy made the choice to leave the convent, and she began to teach at Otter Valley High School, taking on the roles of both an English teacher and an administrator. She eventually married and started a family. Years later, she left Otter Valley to teach students at Rutland High School. During her over forty years in education, she received numerous teaching awards due to her love and dedication to her students and her craft. Nancy was no stranger to volunteer work, devoting her time to help others in many different capacities. After her retirement, she worked as a mentor and substitute teacher in Rutland, and she dedicated her time volunteering at the Rutland Library. She belonged to the Delta Kappa Gamma International Professional Honor Society for Women Educators and Excellence in Education, she was a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, and she belonged to Saint Anne’s and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where she once “headed-up” the CCD program.

Nancy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who deeply cherished her family and friends, as well as her many students. She spent years as a hockey mom, attending her son’s games and track meets; she enjoyed attending Boston College sporting events with her husband Arthur, who was a B.C. alum, and she particularly enjoyed listening to live music from Concerts in the Park from the comfort of her porch. She adored her family and friends, especially her granddaughter Haley, and she was thrilled to be able to attend Haley’s dance recitals and watch her cheer at her high school football games when Nancy moved to Massachusetts. In addition, she deeply admired the Shaker way of life, often quoting, "Hands to work, hearts to God,” and she focused on living simply. She never asked for anything for herself; she always focused on the needs of others.

Nancy is survived by her son, Carl Crandall (Norton, MA), his wife Damian, her granddaughter Haley Catherine, a nephew, and a few nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Crandall, her sister Carol Carroll, and her parents and mother-in-law Mary Crandall.

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She never asked for anything for herself; she always focused on the needs of others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 13th, 2026, at 11:00am, at Christ the King in Rutland, VT. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to contribute to charities near and dear to Nancy: Alzheimer’s Research Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Rutland County Head Start Program Get Involved - Rutland County Head Start, or the Women's Shelter of Rutland NewStory Center