Nancy A. Dakin

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Nancy A. Dakin, 80, of Harvard, MA beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, MA.  She was born in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of the late Joseph Lopez and Helen (Malloy) Lopez and sister of Kathy (Lopez) Blake (deceased), Geri (Lopez) Blake and Pauline (Lopez) Brady.  She lost her mother at an early age and lived temporarily with extended family in Watertown until her family was reunited in Woburn, MA.  Nancy graduated from Woburn High School and was married to the late David J. Dakin for 51 years until his death in 2010.

Nancy lived in Harvard, MA for nearly 50 years where she ran her own business, Nancy Dakin Electrolysis, for more than 25 years.  She was an active member of St. Theresa's Church in Harvard where she assisted the Religious Education Director and served as a religious instructor for many years.  Nancy was also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Theresa's and delivered communion at Leominster Hospital weekly.

Nancy had all the time in the world for her family and friends, she was loyal and tireless in her support of others.  She was a great animal lover who cared for many dogs, cats and birds in her lifetime and most recently had focused on adopting older dogs from shelters.  An avid reader, Nancy also loved music and the arts, attending events whenever possible.  She was a deeply caring individual who was rooted to her community and church. She engaged in a wide range of charitable endeavors, including channeling her love of cooking and baking towards preparing countless meals for the Mustard Seed charity in Worcester, MA to feed those in need and participating in an annual Masonic Christmas cookie drive.  While able, she was a volunteer driver for Harvard Help, providing needed transportation support for Harvard residents in need and later in life was a beneficiary of Harvard Help's services, for which she was extremely grateful.

Nancy is survived by her five loving children, Stephen Dakin of Ayer, MA, Helene Dakin and her wife Tara Howe of Brockton, MA, David Dakin and his wife Eve (Russell) Dakin of Harvard, MA, Julie (Dakin) McLeish and her husband Dominic (Tony) McLeish of Dedham, MA and Michael Dakin and his wife Anne Maka of London, England and her grandchildren Zachary Dakin, Madelyn, Kathryn and Finn McLeish and Lucia and Olivia Dakin.

In light of the current circumstances, Nancy will be buried at Bellevue Cemetery in Harvard following a small private funeral with her immediate family in attendance.  It is anticipated that a celebration of life ceremony and reception will be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Save a Dog, Inc. 604 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776, Loaves & Fishes, 234 Barnum Rd, Devens, MA 01434 or the charity of one's choice.