Nancy Elizabeth Shapleigh, of Eliot, died peacefully on April 22, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family and friends.
Born on November 23, 1936, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Lois (Milliken) Oeser. Nancy was raised in Rye, New Hampshire, and attended schools in Rye and Portsmouth.
She married William Boyce, and they had a daughter, Lois (Boyce) Widi. The couple moved to Eliot, Maine, where they operated their businesses, Town and Country Masons and Nancy Boyce Realtors.
In 1974, Nancy was elected the first female selectman in the Town of Eliot. After her term, she continued to advocate for those without a voice or the courage to speak. Known for her boundless courage, Nancy always said what needed to be said, even if it wasn't what people wanted to hear.
Nancy spent 47 years as a realtor in Eliot with Nancy Boyce Realtors. Some say she sold every house at least once; others claim it was at least twice. Despite being legally blind from macular degeneration, Nancy loved her work and continued selling homes. Her dedication inspired many, including her daughter, Lois Widi, who carries on the real estate tradition.
In 1982, Nancy married Merritt Shapleigh Jr. Together, they raised and bred 14 Belgian draft horses at Sandy Hill Farm. They participated in numerous fairs and parades until Merritt's untimely death in 1989. Nancy cherished her horses, allowing them to live out their days enjoying the scenic vistas of the Piscataqua River. She proudly passed the reins of Sandy Hill Farm to her grandson, Billy. The farm is now home to countless cherished memories for families across New England, made possible by Nancy's legacy.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Lois Widi; her grandsons, William (Bill) Widi, David Widi Jr., and his family; her brothers, Steve, Bob, and Rick Oeser, and their families; the families of her predeceased siblings; her niece and best friend, Sherry Goodnough, and her family; and her extended Shapleigh family. She was predeceased by her parents, both husbands, her sister, Sarah "Sally" Lewin, her brothers, Paul, Jim, and David Oeser, and foster children Dustin and David Lee. Nancy is also survived by many friends she loved like family.
Nancy was laid to rest next to her husband, Merritt, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Eliot in a private service.
In Nancy's memory, please take a few minutes to help someone in your community.