Sabra Ann (Mayberry) Welch

PITTSFIELD, NH -- Sabra Ann (Mayberry) Welch, ARNP, CS, MA, CAGS passed peacefully on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Concord Hospital. She was born on September 27, 1947, in Lynn, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Blanche and Roger Mayberry. She was a graduate of Lynn English High School (1965) and Boston University School of Nursing (1969). She was commissioned a LTJG, USNR in 1975. While stationed at the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA, she met her husband of 45 years LCDR Daniel F. Welch, USN (Ret). After marrying in 1977, and following her Naval service, she continued her education earning her master’s degree from the University of North Florida and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from The College of William and Mary. She worked for over 40 years in nursing and counseling, focusing on families and youth, including many years in private practice in Bow, NH. 

A resident of Pittsfield for 35 years, she was deeply involved in the community as a member of the Pittsfield Historical Society, parishioner and vestry member at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, troop committee member and merit badge counselor for Boy Scout Troop 84, and an active supporter of several local youth organizations.

Her interests and hobbies were expansive. She was an avid researcher of a variety of topics, inspiring a long-time relationship with the Canterbury Shaker Village where she spearheaded the research, interpretation, and opening of the village infirmary building and countless other projects. She also had a close relationship with the active Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. She embraced her son John's interest in historical reenacting and ran an 18th-c. tavern called “The Brown Dog” - a nod to the beloved family Labrador, Spotless. Throughout her life Sabra took great delight in traveling and enjoyed the opportunity to live abroad in Thailand and a treasured three years in Spain. Her love of travel and community came through in her cooking. She was particularly known for her baked beans and her fudge sauce. Her talents knew no bounds - she loved arranging flowers, event planning, and sewing, especially for those around her. 

Sabra is survived by her husband Daniel of Pittsfield, son, ENS John (Rob) Welch USN of Williamsburg, VA, and stepdaughters, Cathy Sanford of Baton Rouge, LA, and Deidre Rief of Fort Walton Beach, FL. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Pittsfield, NH on Saturday July 16^th at 10am. Internment will be at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine: https://www.maineshakers.com/capital-campaign/ways-to-give/