Nancy Jane Eldridge

SOUTH CHATHAM – Nancy Jane Eldridge, 89, of South Chatham passed away at home after a brief illness on Saturday evening, August 26, 2017. She was the wife of the late Oren Leon Eldridge for over 60 years, who died in 2012. She was also the mother of Heidi Lee Eldridge, who died in 2001.

She was born in Hartford, CT on February 23, 1928 to the late Lt. Ashley and Dorothy (Andrews) Calder. She traveled the East Coast as a child, as her father was in the Coast Guard. She graduated from Chatham High School, the Western School for Girls, and the Modern School of Fashion & Design in Boston.

She married the love of her life on September 28, 1957 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Orleans. They made their home in South Chatham, raising four daughters. They had many different business ventures, including Chatham TV & Radio, Sea in the Rough, but her favorite was teaching quilting for the Adult Education Programs all over the Cape. She was past President of the Beach Plum Quilters. Mom enjoyed reading, sewing, and quilting. Her love of animals extended to all creatures.

She is survived by her daughters Karen Howes of East Harwich, Sara Eldridge-Fellman of Orleans, and Abby Eldridge-Nickerson and her husband Mark of Hyannis. Many special memories were made by her five grandchildren Andrew Howes and his wife Jessica, Amanda Howes, Carrie Douglas and her husband Dean, Sunny Fellman and her husband Omar Graham, and Benjamin Eldridge. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Calder.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00 AM at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633. Burial will follow at Seaside Cemetery, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice or to the Animal Rescue League of Brewster.

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com