Nancy Saunders Daggett

Nancy Saunders Daggett passed away peacefully at the age of 87 in the comfort of home and the company of family on March 20, 2024. Born April 23, 1936, to Helen and Ted Saunders, Nancy led a life filled with grace, generosity, and service to others.

Growing up in Swarthmore, PA, the second of four siblings, it was at her grandparent’s beloved ‘camp’ on Crescent Lake in Raymond, Maine where under the tall pines she took her first steps. A blue-eyed blonde, self-professed tomboy, Nancy grew to love horses and softball. Following the family’s move to western New York in 1953, the newly transplanted high school junior caught the eye of her future husband, Clint Daggett. They soon became inseparable.

Married weeks after Nancy’s 1958 graduation from the University of Michigan, their first home was a tiny trailer on the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base while Clint finished up his military service. Returning to Niagara Falls, NY, they welcomed three children, Esther, Clint Jr. and Lorrie, adding a series of dogs, cats, gerbils and a short-lived canary along the way. Whether hosting delicious holiday gatherings at home or helping corral the growing next generation of young Saunders cousins each summer at Crescent Lake, Nancy’s extended family loved her deeply for her warm, caring, nurturing spirit.

Spiritual life centered around First Presbyterian Church, where Nancy taught Sunday school to kids and grownups alike. They repurposed an old school bus, and with Clint at the wheel, offered transportation to First Pres services, sharing Christian fellowship with families in the poorest parts of the city. Volunteering with the Service League of Niagara Falls Hospital provided additional opportunities for outreach. Nancy‘s faith deepened during a Catholic Cursillo weekend, having felt God’s love personally for the first time. Together they were instrumental in promoting its Protestant equivalent, Koinonia, throughout the Buffalo region in the years to follow.

After countless Sunday drives out ‘into the country’, the Daggetts moved in 1977 to a 40-acre family farm in Wilson, NY. Nancy boarded horses, Clint drove tractors and the kids weeded vegetables - begrudgingly. Countless dried flowers from Morning Star Farm made it to market. Commuting together back to the city to work side by side at Beir's Department Store, they were their own best support network. Greatly admired, Nancy always showed great care and conscientiousness juggling home, church and work.

In 1987, an opportunity arose to move closer to family, now grown and settling in New England. They continued to work as a team, launching the Daggett Insurance Agency, serving southernmost Maine. Nancy, ever supportive and organized, managed the myriad details of the growing business until their joint retirement in 2000.

Having been involved with Kairos Prison Ministry in WNY, Nancy personally witnessed the transformative power of Christ in changing the lives of the long-term incarcerated. For 10 years, she and Clint worked doggedly in their new home state to win the approval for the launch of Kairos of Maine. They went on to lead many of the over 40 retreat weekends held inside Maine State Prison to date.

Nancy was devoted to her seven grandchildren, attending as many events as possible, so fortunate that all lived locally. Clint and Nancy greatly enjoyed traveling the US and Canada, often with their camping trailer and fishing boat in tow, from the Florida Keys to Alaska. They often hosted grandchildren along the way.

Nancy lived with dementia for the past decade, but never lost her beautiful smile. Clint’s role in her care, ever watchful, patient and kind, cannot be overstated. He views it as the greatest privilege of his life. Over time, family caregiving was augmented by Danielle and her Aging Kingdom Agency staff, as well as Hospice of Southern Maine. Because of their tender care, for which the family is so grateful, Nancy was able to remain at home, with the love of her life, until her passing.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years Clint Daggett Sr; son Clint Daggett Jr (Cath); daughter Lorrie Vedral; and son-in-law Mark Reynolds.

Also, grandchildren Julia, Emily and John Vedral; Lily and Susannah (Kayla Blackborow) Daggett; and Erin and Kelly Reynolds. Also, siblings Lorraine (Mike) McCormick of California; Dick (Jeanne) Saunders of Denver; and sister-in-law Brenda Saunders of Virginia.

Nancy was predeceased by daughter Esther Reynolds, son-in-law John Vedral and brother Don Saunders.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Hospice of Southern Maine at 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate.