Nancy Manzelli Wood

Nancy Manzelli Wood, 84, of Havenwood Health Center, Concord, NH, passed away June 3, 2016, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Watertown, MA on January 29, 1932 a daughter of Martin W. and Mary (Mazza) Manzelli. Nancy graduated from Watertown High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Mt. Ida Jr. College. She married the love of her life Leonard Carroll Wood on May 30, 1953. She lived in Bow, NH for 48 years before moving to Havenwood Heritage Heights in 2007.

After graduation from college, Nancy worked as a secretary at MIT in Cambridge, MA. After marrying and moving to New Hampshire, she and Len adopted 2 children, Martin and Joyce. Nancy was a stay-at-home mom proudly declaring “It was the best job I ever had!” She deeply loved and cherished her children and was always so proud of them. She shared that with everyone with a sparkle in her eyes and big smile on her face. Nancy was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Brownie Leader (started the first Brownie Troop in Bow) and Girl Scout Leader in Bow, NH. She enjoyed working with children very much. She was a “mother” to anyone who was in need, adults included. She enjoyed listening, offering advice and talking with those who sought her friendship and guidance and understanding. She was an active volunteer and communicant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord for many years. Her church family was very important to her. She had a deep faith and great love of her church.

In the mid-1970’s Nancy re-entered the work force as a secretary at the National Education Association in Concord and later became Assistant to the President of Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord where she took great pride and enjoyment in her work until illness prevented her from continuing to work.

Nancy enjoyed many years of summering at Lake Sunapee where her children and grandchildren were lucky enough to spend quality time together with family and friends. As family grew and spread across the country, it was the gathering spot for family connection. Unable to visit the lake for the last few years of her life, she never stopped talking about returning and reminiscing of the good times shared with family, friends and neighbors there.

Nancy will be greatly missed, but is finally at peace in God’s hands. She has been longing for some time to join her Lenny in Heaven. She was excited for this ultimate reunion and to see what the future held after death.

Nancy is survived by her son Martin Leonard Wood of Berlin, NH and daughter Joyce Ann Wood Thorpe and husband Richard of Bow, NH; grandchildren Heather Brandt and husband Scott of Citrus Heights, CA; Melissa Thorpe of Concord, NH; Mitchell Thorpe of Colorado Springs, CO ; and great-granddaughter Ciana Wood of Citrus Heights, CA.; Sister Martha Aveni of Vermont, nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard (in 1992), her brother Donald Manzelli, sister Gloria McIntyre and niece Laura Jean McIntyre.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord.

Interment will follow at Evans Cemetery in Bow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Nancy M. Wood to Havenwood Resident Support Fund, 33 Chrisitan Ave., Concord, NH 03301 or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Centre St., Concord, NH 03301.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.