Northborough – Nancy W. Berglund, 92, passed away peacefully at her home Feb. 1, 2021, while surrounded by those who meant so much to her in life.
Nancy was the beloved mother to her two sons, Sven Berglund III and his companion Kathy Ponyta and Eric Berglund and his wife Lisa of Kingston, N.H. She was also the devoted grandmother to her granddaughters, Jamie Karrat and her husband George of Whitinsville and Carina Berglund of Tewksbury. She was also a proud great-grandmother to her great-grandsons, George and Joseph Karrat. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Nancy was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Wilmont and Margaret (Bachelder) Whitney. She was raised in Weston along with her three siblings, Wilmont Whitney, Jr, Margaret Phillips and John Whitney; all whom preceded her in death.
Nancy attended Beaver Country Day School and Weston Public Schools prior to studying at the R.I. School of Design. She then lived and worked in New York City for several years. Nancy would continue her studies and was awarded a MEd from the Antioch Institute of Open Education. In 1964 Nancy opened the Westwood Nursery School which later was known as “The Nursery School”. She continued to operate The Nursery School until the late 1980s.
Being a strong advocate for the betterment of children’s lives was a major calling in Nancy’s life. No matter what Nancy did, it was focused on family and helping others. For many years Nancy worked with Northborough’s Department of Family and Youth Services. She assisted in the development of the Northborough Extended Day Program, oversaw the “Tough Love” crisis support group for parents and teens, offered consulting and training for local day care centers and served as a rape victim counselor. For several years Nancy served as an adjunct professor at Quinsigamond Community College.
In 1998 Nancy decided it was time to retire, but not slow down. She remained an active supporter of the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center, volunteered with the Northborough Helping Hands Assn. and was an active Rotarian for more than 15 years. She was a past chair of the Community Spelling Bee and enjoyed signing in the Church of the Nativity’s choir. She also proudly served on the Northborough School Committee. Most recently, Nancy actively participated in chair yoga at the Northborough Senior Center. Northborough recognized Nancy’s dedicated work for the betterment of the citizens here and in 1997 named her the Applefest Parade Grand Marshall. She was then recognized as the 2005 Rotarian of the Year and in 2010 was the winner of the Good Scout Award.
Nancy loved her family and was devoted to caring for them as well as others. She acted as a mother and grandmother to more families than her own, which is why she was affectionately referred to by those who knew her as “Nana” or “Mrs. B.” Nancy loved laughter and a good glass of wine. She hopes to be remembered with both.
Due to current restrictions of the covid19 pandemic, Nancy’s services will be private for the family. Once the gathering restrictions have been relaxed and it is safe to come together to remember Nancy, her family will announce her celebration of life. Please email [email protected] to be included on the details once they are determined.
In lieu of flowers, please commit a random act of kindness in Nancy’s memory or consider a donation to one of the wonderful organizations in Northborough that are committed to helping others.
