Nannette J. Fay

Nannette Fay, lovingly known to her extended family as "Aunty Nunny" passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at age 90.

Born in Boston in 1935, she was the daughter of Harry and Sophie Gold. Nannette grew up in a large and closely knit family with four siblings, Lila, Robert, Herb, and Karen. Her many cousins, second cousins, aunts and uncles, formed a “Cousin’s Club” to gather regularly in the 1940’s and 50’s. Family was a lifelong source of joy and deep commitment to her.

Nannette was a devoted mother to her three children, Wendy, Susan, and Steven. She adored caring for her grandchildren, Jonathan, Samantha, and Alex, spending time with her many nieces and nephews, and she delighted in hearing stories about her grandnieces and grandnephews.

Nannette embraced life with enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. Her first love was teaching children. As a young girl, her elementary school teachers would send her to assist the kindergarten teachers when they needed a hand. Nannette loved reading and playing piano, and she was always eager to plan a group outing to art or history museums, the Boston Pops, and theaters.

When she moved into her own home, all were welcome. Nannette reveled in cooking large quantities of food, and many evenings would find her table full of family and any friends they had invited.

Nannette was known for being extremely well-organized and determined, and for always looking impeccably dressed and “put together.” For many years, she worked as an executive secretary during the day and in retail stores in the evening. Transitioning to an entrepreneur, Nannette began assisting bridal parties with their makeup on the big day, and she opened a retail store. She later earned her Real Estate Broker’s license, working primarily in Brookline rentals.

When she retired, Nannette found joy in teaching English as a learned language, helping preschool children learning to read, and volunteering at elementary schools and hospitals. In all her professions, Nannette found meaning through meeting and helping others, regardless of country of birth or sexual or gender identity.

Her calm and compassionate demeanor immediately put people at ease.

In 1991, when she tragically lost her son to AIDS, Nannette devoted her life to helping the AIDS community. She founded Mother’s Voices, an organization that partnered with AIDS Action in Boston to fundraise, prepare meals, and host holiday parties for families struggling with AIDS. Mother’s Voices worked closely with the Names Project at regular workshops to assist others in sewing AIDS Quilt panels for loved ones. Mother’s Voices devoted themselves to bringing the AIDS Quilt to universities, public, and private schools in New England, and educating the community about AIDS. Nannette’s commitment to volunteerism never wavered. She received multiple community service awards.

Nannette’s life was defined by compassion, a take-charge attitude, and a surprising combination of calm energy. She firmly believed people can accomplish anything with determination. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at 1:45 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon.

Donations in Nannette’s memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union at ACLU.org, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at BCRF.org, or The Glaucoma Research Foundation at glaucoma.org