Nancy Lynne Stidstone

Nancy Lynne (Carlson) Stidstone, 71, of Middleboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.  Nancy was born on May 28, 1953, in Dorchester, to Roy Nathaniel Carlson and Ellen Agatha (Bellew) Carlson.  She graduated from Hingham High School in 1971.  While in high school, she met the love of her life, Richard Francis Stidstone.  They married on April 29, 1972, at St. Paul’s Church in Hingham, and recently celebrated their fifty-second anniversary. 

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Richard, cherished children David and Jill Stidstone of Carver, Heather and Isaac Edson of Middleboro, and Jeffrey Stidstone of Middleboro; adoring grandchildren David and Joshua of Carver, and Scarlett and Avery of Middleboro; her loving and supporting siblings, Judith Whitman of Stratford, CT, Gary Carlson of Hanover, MA, Virginia Kelly of Hanson, MA and Janet Asnes of Norwell, MA and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Roy and Ellen, her brothers Steven Carlson and Roy Carlson, and her God-Daughter Lauren Kezer.

Nancy worked for decades in the retail industry, beginning at Talbots, then at Caldor, and most recently at Kohl’s in Plymouth.  Her infectious joy and love of people made her a wonderful co-worker and a natural leader.  She loved Boston sports, specifically the Bruins and Red Sox.  A lover of music, Nancy loved The Beatles, particularly Paul McCartney.  Her children remember fondly being awakened most Saturday mornings with the windows open and the music blaring as she would clean the house.  Favorites included The Beatles, of course, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, The Carpenters, Celine Dion, and Barbra Streisand.  And she never missed an episode of General Hospital.  

Nancy loved to entertain and was well known for hosting many gatherings for family and friends.  She loved to celebrate her Swedish and Irish heritage.  She always looked forward to the Carlson family Kroppkakor Day each October which started as a day of remembrance, but has since turned into a celebration of family.  Another favorite was St. Patrick’s Day when the family would join together to enjoy her corned beef and cabbage, one of her specialties.  Her home was always seasonally decorated, with the house a showcase for her Santa Claus figurines and gnomes.

More than anything, however, Nancy loved being around her family.  Growing up in Hingham as the middle child in a tight-knit family in a small house on Wompatuck Road, Nancy learned the importance of family and togetherness.  Through thick and thin, family was the one constant and something that should never be taken for granted.  Family meant laughter, fun, support, and something to look forward to, especially when it came time to be Mimi to her four grandchildren, the favorite role of her life.  She always had a picture ready and a story to tell about her grandchildren. 

Nancy’s legacy will live on in her family and friends as the person who was always there for you.  She will be remembered for being the person who always brought an extra pan to a family function or having the right decoration on hand for an event.  The first one to arrive and the last one to leave, she will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 3rd from 3:00-7:00 pm at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 4th at 10 am, also at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to causes Nancy was passionate about; including but not limited to: Dana Farber, American Heart Association, and Planned Parenthood.