Berlin, Vt. —
Nina met the love of her life, Nelson Lyford, at 17 years old. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1939 in Chelsea, Vt. They remained happily married for 66 years – both having a zest for living, laughing and enjoying friends and family.
Her nine children found her amazing in her ability to do it all! Nina grew and harvested a very large garden every year; maintained beautiful flower beds; created patterns to make clothes for her young children, quilted, baked bread every other day and cooked delicious meals. Yet, she still had the energy to play cards (what a canasta player!) and go dancing with her husband.
Most importantly, Nina set an example of honesty, hard work and open-mindedness. She seldom complained and usually was able to find a bright spot in whatever was happening. She was devoted to her family and provided advice, emotional support and humor for her children and grandchildren. We all knew that the door was always open with coffee, dessert and good conversation waiting for anyone who dropped by.
Nina enjoyed traveling and learning new things. She and her husband spent several winters in Florida; traveled to Texas to visit family; vacationed in Maine and took trips around the country with their children.
Nina is survived by her nine children: Lawrence and his wife, Christine Lyford; Elsie Maynard; Judith Ackerman; Frank and his wife, Sandy Lyford; Diane Danforth; Ginny and her husband, Bernie Champney; Nancy and her husband, Lenny Morin; Nelson and his wife, Bonnie Lyford; Ernest and his wife, Kyle Lyford; 27 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Mildred Rogers and sister-in-laws Anna Mattoon, Cintra Lyford, and Marion Simonds; numerous step grand- and step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Nina was predeceased by her husband, Nelson Lyford, a favorite grandson Rodney Ackerman, two great grandsons Jaime and Jeremy, her brothers Carl and Wesley Downing, her sisters Doris and Alice Kennedy; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Joyce Maynard and sons-in-laws Richard Ackerman, Donald Danforth and Donald Maynard.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff on Maple Grove at Woodridge Nursing Home who provided outstanding care and affection for our mother during the last three years. A special thank you goes to Lynette Grandbois for her loving support and visitations throughout our mother’s stay at Woodridge.
Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Chelsea; followed by a reception for family and friends to share memories and refreshments. Burial will be in the spring at the Riverside Cemetery in Chelsea, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Barre Area Senior Center, 131 S. Main Street, Suite 4, Barre, VT 05641. A private message of sympathy may be left for the family at www.boardwayandcilley.com.