Nancy E. Gibbs, 92

LACONIA — Nancy E. Gibbs, 92, of Court Street, passed away on Oct. 25, 2026, at St. Francis Nursing Home.

Nancy was born on Aug. 11, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, at Boston Lying-in Hospital, the daughter of the late Robert Braley and Frances Braley.

Nancy is survived by her son, Mark Dadian (Barbara); daughters Christine St. Cyr (Ronald) and Victoria Gaouette (David); stepdaughter Kim Terrio; brothers Richard Braley (Gini) and Alan Braley. In addition to her parents, Nancy is predeceased by her husband Robert Gibbs, stepmother Anna Braley, sister Ruth Hands, and nephew Charles Hands.

As her children, we each carry our own memories of Mom — some tender, some humorous, and some that reflect the strength of her character. She was not a perfect woman, nor was life always easy for her, but she kept trying, gave what she had, and found ways to care for others. The following are some of the memories and lessons that have stayed with us.

Christine: One of my fondest memories of Mom was when I would have to stay home from school due to being sick. She would play Monopoly with me and dote over me all day long. Hot chocolate, sweet tea and her and my favorite, chicken a la king over toast.

She loved us deeply and we could feel it. Over the years she consistently provided us with a home that was safe and happy even through the difficult times. And there were plenty of difficult times as mom suffered with physical struggles which kept her from being as active as she would have liked. To her credit, she always pushed through. She always put herself last and us first. She was a determined, strong-willed mother of three. She was also a mother to others.

Hands down, I was the most difficult of the three of us. The most rebellious and if I’m being honest, the most disrespectful. But Mom loved me through it all. She was quick to listen patiently and slow to speak and always open for conversation.

If someone were to ask me, what are the things that most stick out about her, I would immediately answer: her servant heart. My gosh that lady had a gift for serving. She would put us kids in the old Valiant and drive us to another city to clean a shut-in’s apartment. I remember her washing grimy walls while we kids were washing floors and windows. We didn’t do that regularly but we did it often enough.

Mom was a red-headed, freckle-faced, fair-skinned young woman when she married into a sea of olive-skinned, black-haired Armenians. She didn’t stick out at all. During family gatherings they would often speak Armenian and Mom would take me aside to ask what they were saying. They welcomed her into the family with open arms and hearts as she learned a few Armenian words and learned to cook Armenian dishes. Her efforts were noteworthy.

The other thing that sticks out to me is that I firmly believe that mom prayed us into the Kingdom of God. She was always a Christian believer but never really understood that one can have a personal, one-on-one relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Once she came to that realization, she went to her knees for our souls to be saved. I probably took up most of her prayer time. I’m confident that my name came up more often than my siblings.

That said, my husband and I became born again, Spirit-filled Christians. As a result, we became missionaries and evangelists sharing the Gospel in over 14 countries building relationships in those countries, returning time and time again. We’ve literally had the honor and the privilege of seeing thousands of people receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. All this to say, “The effective, fervent prayers of a righteous mother avail much.” James 5:16.

What was Mom’s greatest accomplishment? Praying for her children. The fruit of those prayers continues to this day all because one average, everyday woman with a servant’s heart went to her knees for me. Mom, “Well done good and faithful servant — enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”

You are loved and will be sorely missed.

Victoria: I write about my mom who the Lord blessed as a naturally artistic person. She was a first soprano in the church choir, sketched portraits, painted landscapes and decorated every room in two homes. As a nurturing mother with three kids to teach, she wanted us to be able to explore our creative side, reasoning that being interested in other things in our lives can be a positive way to express our natural artistry and provide us with a well-rounded education. She sewed clothing for our dolls and designed her own evening gowns. Her talent spread to her children and her children’s children. We learned about music and sewing, drawing and painting. There is no better legacy for this beautiful child of Christ than the knowledge her family is blessed every day with God’s gifts too.

Mark: Mom was a strict, tough woman who was often sick, yet she always tried to do her best.

She was never one to sit still for long: cake decorating with ladies at church or helping others in need.

She always found ways to let me know she was thinking of me, sending little gifts in the mail, sometimes simple trinkets and always a pocket New Testament. When I was living at home, she would still make sure I had something to eat before I headed off to work. Dinner would be waiting when I returned home in the evening.

After the divorce, she trained to become a home healthcare worker. She genuinely enjoyed helping others. She also opened her home to foster children. Over the years, she welcomed 23 foster children into her life.

Mom had a difficult childhood, moving from state to state as her dad searched for work. Her schooling suffered, yet she understood that God did not measure her worth by her education. In her own way, she lived out that understanding through the care she gave others.

She was a Yankee through and through. She was resourceful, resilient, and certainly no pushover. Beneath that toughness, though, was a woman who loved deeply and made friends wherever she went.

Mom’s life was not defined by formal education, ease, or perfection. It was defined by perseverance, practical acts of love, a willingness to help those who needed her, and relationships that endured across the years and miles. She had her struggles and her strong opinions, but she kept going, kept caring, and left her mark on the many lives she touched.

Nancy will be laid to rest at South Road Cemetery, Belmont.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.