Nancy Dunn Lonergan

Old Saybrook- Nancy Dunn Lonergan, aged ninety, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Edward A. Lonergan, and her brother Gerald Dunn.

Nancy was born on September 28, 1935, to Gerald and Bernice Dunn of West Hartford, Connecticut, where she was raised. One of her cherished accomplishments as a young adult was competing for and winning the title of “Miss West Hartford,” a milestone her whole family often recalled with pride. Nancy attended the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, where she studied secretarial skills. Upon graduation, she joined the Hartford Electric Light Company and rose to the position of executive secretary.

Growing up, Nancy spent summers with her family at the beach in Old Saybrook, where she met Ed. They were married in June 1958, welcomed two children, Edward F. (Laura) and Tammy Lonergan, and settled into the Old Saybrook community. Nancy was employed by the Old Saybrook Board of Education for more than 25 years, serving as executive secretary to the superintendent for the majority of that time. She was recognized with a meritorious service award by the Connecticut State General Assembly.

Nancy loved music and dancing. The Charleston would always ignite an enthusiastic performance– certainly by Nancy. Ed, not so much– but he took great pleasure in watching her cut a rug! She and Ed were longtime members of Goodspeed and The Kate, enjoying performances by their favorite entertainers as well as many musicals.

Nancy cherished her faith and shared it generously, lifting others in prayer. She and Ed were longtime parishioners of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Essex, CT, where she was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. She was an avid reader and derived great comfort from all types of faith-based writing.

Nancy genuinely lit up around people and loved nothing more than catching up with neighbors, hosting family and friends, and visiting with the friends they made on boating trips around Long Island Sound. She did not bat an eye when dozens of her son’s college friends arrived for long weekends at the house, bedding down in any vacant space, and savoring the copious baked sweets for which Nancy was so well known.

In recent years, Nancy battled Alzheimer’s and formed a close circle of companions at Ocean Meadow in Clinton, CT. We are deeply grateful to the staff and caregivers who welcomed her and embraced her as family, just as she did them. Some of Nancy’s (and our) biggest smiles and most heartfelt laughter occurred during these trying times. We would like to express our profound gratitude to Gaby, Nancy’s private caregiver, whose love and care enriched her life in countless ways during these past years.

Nancy is survived by her children and daughter-in-law Laura; her granddaughters Taryn, Cara, Viktorija, and Taylor; as well as her great-grandsons Maxwell, Theodore, and Bennett.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect St, Essex, CT, followed by a burial at Cypress Cemetery, 100 College St, Old Saybrook, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, online at curealz.org, or by mail to 34 Washington St, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.