Northborough – Nancy M. “Coach” Jones, age 86, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2019, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing of Northborough after a period of declining health.
She is survived by her cousins, Sr. Geraldine Noonan of Holyoke, MA, Richard O’Conner of New Jersey, and Maribeth Gentile of Southampton, PA. She also leaves her good friend Mary Peterson of Northborough, with whom she lived.
Nancy was born January 7, 1933, to Nathaniel and Margaret (Noonan) Jones in Worcester, MA. She attended Ascension High School, class of 1950 and went on to graduate from Worcester State University in 1954 and received her master’s degree in 1957. She began her teaching career at Adams Street School in Worcester in 1954. As a beloved coach for softball, basketball, field hockey and tennis teams for the Worcester Public Schools, Nancy helped shaped the lives of her students by teaching the value of teamwork. She was a proud member of both the Massachusetts and New England Teacher’s Associations.
Nancy volunteered for many years at St. Vincent’s Hospital. On election days, she served as the warden for Precinct One for the Town of Northborough. She was a passionate fan of all the Boston sports teams, especially the New England Patriots. As a Patriot’s season ticket holder, she enjoyed many tailgate parties with friends. She loved traveling to new places and was passionate about reading.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hour on Wednesday, July 10th from 8:30 – 9:30 am at the Chiampa Funeral Home ~ 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Saint Rose of Lima Church ~ 244 West Main Street, Northborough at 10am. Interment Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
