Nancy E. (Goss) Eaton,

December 31,1938 - September 2, 2026

Nancy rested peacefully in God's hands at the age of 87, at home in Derby Line, Vermont, surrounded by love.

Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on December 31, 1938, Nancy was the fourth and youngest child of Leonard and Charlotte (Stiles) Goss. She was raised on the family Guernsey farm, Gossholme Farm Dairy, in St. Johnsbury Center here she developed her strong work ethic and passion for both tradition and family. From the beginning, Nancy had a bright and beautiful spirit, which remained undimmed throughout her life, and a smile that was both memorable and infectious. She somehow made every room she entered feel a bit brighter - more vibrant in color. Nancy was joyful, warm, witty, eternally optimistic, and always saw the very best in everyone she met. She had a way of making people feel comfortable, valued and cared for whenever they were around her.

Nancy was a devoted wife for 67 years to her beloved husband, Peter J. Eaton, whom she started dating when both were students at St. Johnsbury Academy (Class of '56). Such was their love affair, that one could hardly think of one without thinking of the other. Upon marrying Peter on her birthday in 1958, she used her sharp sense of style to create warm and inviting homes wherever they lived from Virginia, to Texas, to New York, and ultimately to Elm Street in Derby Line where they raised their family and hosted many memorable gatherings of family and friends. Their marriage was one of mutual adoration, unquestionable loyalty, all sprinkled with daily doses of humor. To watch them dance together, whether in the living room of their home or on a dance floor was to witness artistry of rhythm and synchronization…they truly were a sight to behold. To the usual daily question Peter asked Nancy "Nancy, do you still love me?" Nancy smiled and softly said her final word "Always".

Nancy's family was the center of her world. Together she and Peter raised their three children surrounding them with unconditional love, high expectations, and numerous family traditions that will carry on for generations to come. She built a life around togetherness, faith, compassion, and love. She cherished her friends deeply and held those relationships close, always offering encouragement, kindness, and a listening ear. She was a keen judge of character, yet always made it look easy to find the good in others. She will be especially missed by her best friend Fran Batchelder, and dear friends Donna Perkins and Jane Kelley.

Nancy's faith was the foundation of her life and was woven into everything she did. She was deeply involved in the Derby Community Church, where she found both a place to serve and a community she loved. She treasured time spent reading her Bible, and she loved singing hymns, carrying the words and melodies with her beyond the walls of the church. Her love for Jesus was evident not only in these things, but in the way she lived each day—with kindness, generosity, compassion, and a genuine love for others. Her faith was something she lived rather than simply spoke about, and it naturally spilled over into the lives of her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her prayers, her example, and the way she loved people, she pointed others toward Christ. Her faith and love for Jesus will be among the greatest parts of her legacy, carried on in the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind.

Although she made every holiday seem festive, she especially loved Christmas. She didn't just enjoy the holiday, she knew how to make Christmas - magical. She loved all the passed-down traditions, as well as creating her own…she could decorate with the skill of a professional designer, and enjoyed hosting large gatherings with plenty of food and laughter. The joy she found in the season reflected the joy she brought to everyday life.

Nancy loved to sing. Even in her last years, when Alzheimer's had stolen her treasure trove of memories, she could still sing every hymn and Christmas carol by heart. She sang in the church choir at Derby Community Church for many years which gave her the bonus of being able to keep a watchful eye on her three youngsters in the congregation from her vantage point in the choir loft. She volunteered for a wide variety of positions throughout her life, including serving as a Director and Greeter for "After Five", President of the "Jayceettes", a Sunday School teacher and as volunteer at both North Country Union High School and North Country Hospital. Nancy also wore many hats in the workplace. She worked at St. Johnsbury Academy, Ralston Purina, Gaines, Orleans Office Products, and Ladies and Lords.

Like her mother, Nancy was exceptionally talented at writing poetry in her beautiful cursive handwriting. She could whip up a whimsical ditty whenever one was required. She was also a great proofreader and an honest -but gentle- critic. She was a master at multi-tasking and made it look easy constantly juggling being a supportive wife, a loving mum, a trusted friend, a caring sibling, and a dedicated volunteer and employee all while maintaining a house, creating a home, and somehow always looking remarkably fashionable. She found her comfort and strength in her faith, her friends, and her family.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Peter Jon Eaton, her children, Tami (Eaton) Young and her husband Allen Young of Lyndonville, Vermont; Cindi (Eaton) Bollettieri of Bradenton, Florida and Craftsbury Common, Vermont; and Timothy Eaton and his wife Penny (Morris) Eaton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. "Nana Nancy" was incredibly proud of her nine grandchildren and their spouses: Bethany Young; Whitney (Young) Saunders and husband Matthew; Alley (Young) Larocque and husband Justin; Ian Young and wife Reannan (Gardner); Benjamin Young and wife Emily (Bowman); Nancy (Young) Worley and husband Elias; Jonathan Young and wife Caroline (Winsor); and Giacomo Bollettieri. She also adored her 16 (and counting) great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents and in-laws, Ceylon and Doris Eaton; her siblings Beverly (Goss) Russell, Courtland "Joe" Goss, and Phyllis (Goss) Copp; her sister-in-law Carol (Eaton) Davis Bulger; her son-in-law Nicholas Bollettieri; and her grandson Giovanni Bollettieri.

The family is incredibly thankful for the compassionate care Nancy received from her much-loved caregiver Nicole Mathison, and from Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice.

Nancy's life was defined by love, a joyful heart, and deep appreciation for family and friends.

She will be missed more than words can say, and remembered always with gratitude and love. A service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held at the Derby Community Church in Derby, Vermont on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 10:00 am, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

In memory of her bright and warm spirit, her love of the Christmas season and both her birthday and anniversary falling on December 31st, please light a candle and think of her during the holidays, and take a moment to give someone a hug and a listen.

In lieu of flowers and food, donations can be made in memory of Nancy to the Derby Community Church, P.O. Box 294, Derby, Vermont 05829 to go towards two new, beautiful windows at the front of the church.