Nancy Thacher Holland, 87, of West Yarmouth, MA passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 at Mill Hill Residence in West Yarmouth surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was born on March 5, 1937 in Hyannis, MA to Samuel R. Thacher and Dorothy Hallett Thacher. Nancy was a thirteenth generation Cape Codder, something of which she was extremely proud. Nancy was raised in Yarmouth Port. She graduated from Yarmouth High School where she met her high school sweetheart, James J. Holland. Nancy and “Jimmy” married and moved to West Yarmouth and raised their family.

Nancy was a stay-at-home mom until she accepted an offer to work at All Cape Cod and Islands Collection in Yarmouth Port, where she worked for several years. She would later go on to work for the Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors as a receptionist and administrative assistant. Nancy worked for CCIAR for over twenty-five years until she retired in 2014.

In her twenties, thirties and forties Nancy enjoyed being a hostess and often held neighborhood parties, family Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gatherings in her home. Later in life she loved to go visit her daughter and her son and their families for holidays and other family parties. She loved to laugh and was known for her contagious giggle.

Nancy was an avid gardener and created extensive gardens and garden paths around her property in West Yarmouth. She was an expert seamstress who made most of her own clothes, as well as those for her daughter and sometimes her sisters. She was an excellent knitter, also, and made beautiful sweaters for herself and others.

Nancy loved to take long walks, usually in the company of one of the many dogs she owned throughout her life. Her favorite spot to walk was the boardwalk at Grays Beach, or the Bass Hole as she, a true Yarmouth Cape Codder, knew it.

Nancy and Jimmy were married for 31 years when they divorced in 1987 but somehow found their way back to each other in 2000. They dated again until Jimmy’s death in 2005.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Christine Mitchell and her husband Thomas Mitchell of Boxford, MA, her son Kevin J. Holland and his wife Jasmine Holland of Hartford, CT, her grandchildren Samuel Mitchell of Amesbury, MA; Amanda Roensch of Hamilton, MA; Brittany Larsen of Georgetown, MA; Matthew Holland of Goodman, MO; Katlyn Parides of Alameda, CA and Erika Frisby of Denver, CO, and nine Great-granchildren; her cousin Emily Savory; many nieces and nephews and her wonderful friend, Susan Conlon. She is preceded in death by her father Samuel R. Thacher, her mother Dorothy Thacher, her sisters Marilyn Whynott and Jane Harrison and her husband James J. Holland.

As a woman who loved dogs and animals, Nancy would have loved donations made in her name to the Animal Rescue League in Brewster, MA. The funeral and burial will be private.

Brian, So sorry for your loss. May the happy memories support you during this difficult time. Bill

Nancy was a happy, caring woman who will be greatly missed. Love to Christine and Kevin.

I remember Aunt Nancy fondly. She had a beautiful smile and lovely red hair. She had a gentle but unique giggle. May God’s comfort and peace be upon her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her. Love & blessings, Melody