Nancy Coggin Goad, 87, of Newport, Vermont, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026.

Born on August 28, 1938, in Athens, Georgia, to Eugenia Johnston Coggin and Howard T. Coggin, Nancy lived a life defined by deep faith, a love of music, and unwavering devotion to her family. Nancy found joy in simple pleasures: a hymn played on the organ, a good book, a new craft project, a good cup of coffee, time spent in nature, and the company of those she loved.

Nancy graduated from Athens High School in 1955 before attending the University of Georgia and Tift College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Education. She taught at Social Circle Elementary School for more than a decade, helping shape young minds and making a lasting impact on countless students. Nancy also had successful careers as a Customer Service Representative at Macy's, helped countless others in her career at Vermont Associates, and was a business owner of Hannah's Helping Hands.

In 1991, after falling in love with Vermont's beauty during a vacation, Nancy purchased a small cabin in Montgomery Center and made the courageous decision to start a new chapter there on her own. In 1993, she met Frank Goad, and their friendship quickly grew into a loving partnership. They were married on July 31, 2006, and spent many happy years together, dividing their time between Montgomery Center and Newport.

Music and faith were at the center of Nancy's life. She began playing the organ for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, in 1973 and later served as organist at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, Vermont, for more than 30 years. She often said she felt closest to God through music and shared that gift with countless others throughout her life.

Nancy was an avid reader, gardener, musician, and talented crafter. Her home was filled with books, craft projects, sheet music, and treasures collected throughout a lifetime of travel, learning and creativity. Whether weaving, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, or learning a new skill, she was always in the middle of a project.  Nancy was a lifelong learner and had read at least one book on just about any subject, no matter how obscure.  She amassed encyclopedic knowledge and had an excellent memory, always ready to share a bit of wisdom or trivia with anyone she encountered. Nancy faithfully read her Bible everyday and continued playing piano for residents and staff at Maple Lane Nursing Home until the final months of her life.

Above all, Nancy was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother who always put her children first, spending countless hours shuttling them to music lessons, Boy Scouts, and other activities. As "Grandmommy Nancy," she created cherished memories with her grandchildren, sharing her love of crafts, books, and exploring the beauty of Vermont. Her grandchildren could always count on her for a project, a good story, a laugh, or an adventure occasionally finding themselves taking the "scenic route" with an unexpected detour or two.

Nancy will be remembered for her infectious laugh, loud enough to be heard across the border. She never took herself too seriously and was quick to laugh at her own mistakes. She had a special love for animals and considered her many beloved pets treasured members of the family.

Nancy is survived by her children, John Thomas Rouse IV and Georgia Rice (Dan); her stepchildren, Andrea Myrick (Dennis), Susan Flynn (Dave), and Lori Tabor (Dale); her grandchildren, Rachael Mossman, Trista Blankenship (Paul), Brooke Coveney (Michael), Audrey Lovdahl (Aaron), Virginia Rice, and Samuel Rice; her step-grandchildren, Alyssa Flynn, Mariah Flynn, Cameron Flynn, Amber Royer (Dustin), Josh Tabor, Colin Myrick (Alyssa), and Ben Myrick; her great-grandchildren, Shelby Blankenship, Lorelie Blankenship, George Lovdahl, and Mary Katherine Lovdahl; step great-grandchildren Caden Wells, Brayden Wells, Laylanna Hansen, Leroy Hansen, Logan Fletcher, Natalee Demers, Hunter Royer, Lillie Royer, Carson Tabor, Caiden Tabor, and Stella Myrick; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Goad; her parents, Eugenia Johnston Coggin and Howard T. Coggin; and her children, Elizabeth "Beth" Robinson and Howard C. Rouse.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, Vermont. Service details are forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Newport, Vermont, in honor of Nancy's lifelong faith and dedication to music ministry.

Nancy's legacy lives on in the music she shared, the family she loved, and the countless lives she touched through her faith, kindness, and generosity.

Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned & operated.