Nanci S. Borde

Nanci (AKA Nan or Nani) grew up in Mamaroneck, New York, in an Italian family whose traditions and love of family remained part of who she was. She later spent 25 wonderful years in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she and Paul raised their three children amid friendships, sports, fundraisers, parties, and the happy chaos of family life. Over time, life became divided between Greenwich and Chatham until Chatham became home.

Nan was impossible to forget: sharp witted, fiercely opinionated, and never shy about letting you know exactly what she thought. She had a larger-than-life personality, a sense of humor, and a gift for bringing people together. Certain rituals were non-negotiable - including watching Judge Judy, whose willingness to tell people exactly what she thought may have struck a familiar chord!

Nan also had an extraordinary sense of style. Elegant and timeless, she was often compared to Audrey Hepburn- a compliment that suited her perfectly.

Nan was the consummate host. She loved throwing a great party, making sure everyone was well fed and having a good time. She loved nothing more than having the people she loved all together. The memories made around her table will be cherished.

A voracious reader, Nan co-founded a Chatham book club with girlfriends that became about far more than books. It was friendship, conversation, laughter, and community- all things she treasured.

Nan loved the beach. Chatham held a special place in her heart, and some of her happiest days were spent by the water and on her boat. Her other happiest place was Hope Town on Elbow Cay in the Abacos. Its beauty brought her enormous joy, and she returned often.

Two things provided a foundation for Nan throughout her adult life: her sobriety and her faith. Her sobriety meant everything to her. It was hard-earned, deeply protected, and became the foundation upon which so much of the life she loved was built. Her faith was the scaffolding around that foundation- a source of strength, gratitude, perspective, and comfort, particularly during her illness.

Above everything else, Nan’s happiest and most important role was simply being Mom.

She threw herself completely into the lives of PJ, Jack, and Katie- the games, schools, teams, fundraisers, victories, disappointments, and ordinary moments in between. Nothing gave her greater happiness or pride than her children and the family she and Paul built. She loved watching that family grow to include Catie, Dakota, and Lukas, and eagerly awaited her first grandchildren, twins. Their coming brought her enormous joy.

Nan is survived by her beloved husband, Paul; her children, PJ and his wife Catie (Coronado, CA), Jack and his wife Dakota (Houston, TX), and Katie and her husband Lukas (Charlestown, MA); her mother, Irene Romani, known to all as Meemee; her sister, Julie, and her husband Brian; her sister-in-law, Jacqueline, and her husband Nic; her nieces and nephews, Lucas, Annabelle, Luna, and Porter; and her two loving pups, Lilly and Stanley. She was predeceased by her father, Mark Romani.

Nanci built a wonderful life. And at the center of it, always, was her family.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 11, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Road, Chatham.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, 57 Highland Avenue, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nanci's memory to either / or:

• Pause A While https://pauseawhile.org/donate/

• The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, Inc. https://ctbta.rallybound.org/support/Donate