Nancy E Patenaude

Nancy (Magdziarz) Patenaude, 84, of Hooksett, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12th after a brief illness. Born on December 18, 1940, to Mary (Albin) and Stanley Magdziarz, Nancy was the youngest of four siblings and brought joy and laughter into the world from the very start.

On December 23, 1960, she married James Patenaude. Together they raised two children, Russell Patenaude and Karen (Patenaude) Rix, in a home filled with warmth, humor, and a good dose of mischief. Nancy was predeceased by her sister Sophie (Magdziarz) Roberts and brother Stanley Magdziarz, and is survived by her brother Frank Magdziarz. She was a proud grandmother to Michael, Sean, Christina, Santiago, and Shaelyn, and great-grandmother to six. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Nancy cherished time spent “up the farm” and was overjoyed to live her later years near so many loved ones.

Nancy left high school at 16 to begin working at the hosiery mill in Manchester, before embarking on a 42-year career at Osram Sylvania, where she helped make lamps—but don’t call them giant light bulbs! She took pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic, quick wit, and good-natured sass.

A true lover of life’s small pleasures, Nancy was a longtime bowler at Lakeside Lanes and an enthusiastic member of several cribbage leagues. Her days often began with a coffee, the morning paper, and word puzzles in hand. She had a special fondness for “scratchers,” bingo nights, and casino bus trips with her dear friend Linda.

Nancy had a magical touch with flowers, turning her yard into a colorful, whimsical garden complete with gnomes and the occasional dragon tucked beneath a bush. Inside the home, she was equally creative—a master crocheter who filled drawers with beautifully made gifts and Grammy Rix’s peanut butter fudge, lovingly prepared and shared for special occasions, became a family tradition that will continue to sweeten future generations.

Above all, Nancy will be remembered for her quick laugh, loving heart, and the joy she brought to everyday moments. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.