Nancy E. Young

Nancy E. Young 87, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at Hopehealth Hulitar Hospice.  Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late Linwood G. and Hattie F. (Rathbone) Potter formerly of Charlestown. 

As Cranston East High School graduate in 1955, she was a baton majorette in the school band.  She was also an avid bowler who played for the local teams in Cranston.  Nancy kept busy and enjoyed a long work history.  Amongst her many jobs, she worked 11 years at the Narragansett Brewery before moving on to Foster Parents Plan International where she was an Executive Secretary and Office Manager for 16 years.  She spoke fondly of her time at the "plan" and the lifelong friends she made.  Nancy retired from Rhode Island Hospital after 14 years of Administrative Services. Nancy loved the sun and being at the beach.  She enjoyed swimming, tanning, reading and gardening. You would often find her sipping her iced coffee while relaxing on the deck overlooking the narrow river.   Living and working on a farm in her younger years led to her love of animals.   In addition to her cats (mainly Fluffy), you would often see rabbits, squirrels, and birds at the doorstep waiting for their daily snack.   Snacking was not only for the animals...she was always ready to entertain and feed her guests. While she had many special dishes, her homemade pizza was always a hit.  Christmas was her time to shine, filling all corners of the house with homemade cookies, cakes, and brownies to distribute to the community, friends and family.  Board games and card playing were some of her favorite things to do with family and friends.  She continued to keep active with word games, puzzles and BINGO with her friends at Greenwich Farms - 'The Farm' as she called it.  She was often visited by the staff who enjoyed her company, fighting spirit and friendship. Loved by all, Nancy lived her entire life by one simple belief that "Giving and Sharing are good things".   Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

She was the devoted mother of her loving son William Davy and his wife Jam and the proud "Grami" of her beloved granddaughters Kiannah and Anessa Davy.  In addition, she is survived by her faithful sister Pauline Johnson Diebling of Attleboro and was the adored "Auntie" of Lori Ann Diebling of Attleboro and Kimberly Diebling of Maryland. She also leaves extended family and great friends. She was the former wife of the late William H. Davy, Sidney O. Young, and stepdaughter of the late Paul W. Johnson.  

Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength and resilience in all whose lives she touched. 

A Memorial Service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at a time to be announced in the Spring or early Summer 2025 in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston. 

Donations in her memory to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank or charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

http://rifoodbank.org/donate/