Nancy R. Spears

Nancy Roma Spears, a longtime resident of Amherst, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026.

Nancy was born on May 12, 1946, in Mansfield, Georgia, the eldest daughter of the late Joshua Baker Spears, Jr. and Melba Henderson Spears.

Nancy attended the University of Georgia and after moving to New Hampshire, earned her master's degree. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher in Bedford, New Hampshire, who found great satisfaction in helping children learn. Her passion for education remained with her throughout her life.

Following her retirement, Nancy continued her lifelong commitment to serving others. She was on the board of the Amherst Friends of the Library and volunteered at SHARE Outreach in Milford, New Hampshire. Nancy was an active member of the local chapter of The Questers and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. An avid reader, Nancy valued her longtime book club and the friendships it fostered.

Nancy was known for her genuine Southern hospitality, her gift for forming lifelong friendships, and for the immense pride she took in being a grandmother. She enjoyed tending her gardens, collecting antiques, and taking daily walks. She found great joy in spending time on Peaks Island in Maine with family and friends. Nancy also had a passion for travel that spanned her lifetime - from a six-week tour of Europe with her sister following college graduation to fourteen memorable trips during retirement with a dear friend.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Susan Wilbur and Susan's husband, Shannon Alther; her beloved granddaughter, Susannah Alther; her sister and brother-in-law, Clarissa Spears and Milton Demaray; her nephew, Christopher DiCicco; and many dear friends and extended family members.

Nancy's warmth, strength of spirit, intellectual curiosity, and love for family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Nancy’s family wishes to thank the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SHARE Outreach, Inc., 1 Columbus Avenue, Milford, New Hampshire 03055 or at sharenh.org.