Nancy Basehore Loomis
Canaan, NH – Nancy Basehore Loomis of Canaan, NH, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2026. She was raised in Lansdowne, PA, where she attended Lansdowne Friends School and Lansdowne Aldan High School. A member of the Swarthmore College class of 1966, she earned a degree in English Literature with an interest in French and German literature. During her undergraduate years, she traveled extensively in Europe in her red Austin Mini, forming lifelong friendships and memories.
In 1970 she married Stephen Andrew “Andy” Loomis, father of her two beloved daughters. They moved to Canaan in 1973, where she became deeply involved in her adopted community.
Her commitment to education began in the Mascoma schools, first as a volunteer and later as a teacher. She was instrumental in getting Canaan Elementary School rebuilt after the 1980 fire and later helped rally support for the construction of Indian River School. Nancy was involved with Friends of Mascoma Schools, with a particular interest in the Reading Is Fundamental program. Following her divorce, she worked as a remedial reading teacher and then taught English at MVRHS for eight years.
Nancy served as a trustee of the Canaan Library for 19 years and was a founding member of the Friends of Canaan Town Library, helping to establish its annual plant sale. Her civic service also included several terms on the Canaan Historic District Commission, and she was a long-serving trustee of the Old North Church. She was a devoted member of the Canaan Bird and Garden Club. She also faithfully prepared lemon squares and floral arrangements for the Meetinghouse Readings.
An avid backyard tennis player, she helped organize the Canaan Mixed Doubles Tournament for many years. After retiring from teaching to care for her elderly parents, she worked seasonally as a tax paraprofessional. In retirement, Nancy enjoyed wintering in Mazatlán, Mexico.
She took great joy in her grandsons and in giving back to the Canaan community that welcomed her over 50 years ago. Nancy is survived by her daughter Ann Loomis and daughter-in-law Laura Chase, daughter Barbara Linen and son-in-law Aubrey, and grandsons Maddox and Rowan.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and her ashes will be interred in Canaan Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Nancy’s memory to the Friends of the Canaan Town Library (PO Box 368) or the Old North Church of Canaan (PO Box 191).
An online guestbook is available at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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