Nancy L. MacKenzie

Nancy L. MacKenzie, 89, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Douglas C. MacKenzie, her children, Cathy (Michael) Lyons of Medfield, MA, Scott (Genevieve) MacKenzie of Bedford NH, her grandchildren, Douglas (Joely) MacKenzie of Hudson, NH, Lydia MacKenzie of Boulder, CO, Greg Lyons of San Francisco, CA, Cara Lyons of Cambridge, MA, great grandchildren Scott and Nina MacKenzie, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sisters Sally Webster Dion and Irene Linscott, and her grandson, Jackson MacKenzie. 

Born on February 19, 1935, in Augusta, Maine, Nancy was the daughter of Mellen and Constance Linscott. She was educated at Sanborn Seminary in Kingston, NH, and the University of New Hampshire (1958), where she majored in art, met Doug, and formed lifelong friendships. 

Nancy raised her family in Amherst, NH, where she was active in local theater, tennis, The League of Women Voters, and church groups. She became an accomplished painter, and was represented by several New England galleries, including Surroundings (Sandwich, NH), The Churchill Gallery (Newburyport, MA), and JW Reilly of Boston. Nancy created beautiful abstract landscapes and her paintings are in private and corporate collections nationwide. Regarding her work, Nancy said, “There is a spiritual side of paintings as well as a spiritual side of everything, including the landscape that calls us to contemplate it. I hope to offer not only the visual beauty of a subject but a glimpse of its spiritual essence as well.” Nancy’s spiritual soul was also evident in her relationships; she was loving, accepting, and generous to all.

In Manchester, Nancy remained active in her church and kept a painting studio. Nancy and Doug spent many enjoyable winters in Tucson, AZ, with a wonderful group of friends. During summers at their Wolfeboro lake cottage, “Ninny” was at the heart of making family memories. She hiked with grandchildren, lovingly prepared meals, and played games with wit and enthusiasm. Humor always intact, she enjoyed sharing jokes to stay in touch with her extended family and friends. Nancy leaves a legacy of love and laughter to everyone who knew her.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.