Nancy Jean Ellen (Ryder) Brissette, age 97, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA.  She was born on March 9, 1927, in Salem, MA, to Mary and Raymond Ryder. She was a long-time resident of Melrose, MA.  Most recently, she made her home at VNA Senior Living on Highland in Somerville, formerly the Jeanne Jugan Residence.

After graduating from Salem High School, Nancy went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Simmons College. She started her career as a nurse and nursing instructor at Salem Hospital School of Nursing. She received a Masters Degree in Nursing Administration from Boston College at age 40, and worked as a nursing instructor at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital School of Nursing.  She was a Nursing Supervisor at Malden Hospital where she spearheaded the creation of the first natural birthing rooms in the 1980's.  After retirement at the age of 65, Nancy volunteered for two years in the Peace Corps in Paraguay, South America, promoting health care in a small village there. In 1995, she was commissioned by the Defense Department to assist with Operation Sea Signal setting up on Guantanamo Bay to assist Haitian and Cuban boat refugees.

Nancy's greatest joy was motherhood.  She is the devoted mother of seven children: Suzanne (Vince) Doria, Marianne (John) Parker, Julianne (Ron) Porter, Stephen (Roni) Brissette, Joseph Brissette, John Brissette and Christianne (Peter) Chetkin.  She is a devoted grandmother to Emily and Matthew Doria, Abigail Pinkard, Catherine Rowley, Daniel Parker, Julia Kell, Suzanne Wells, Michael, Jeffrey and Nicholas Porter, Jackson Brissette, Sam Chetkin, Leo and Dominic Brissette, and 13 great-children.  She is the loving sister and sister-in-law to David and Marilyn Ryder.  She is a beloved aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews.

Nancy's Catholic faith has been an inspiration to all.  She was a daily communicant at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church in Melrose and at the Jeanne Jugan Residence.  She was an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus.  In her fond affiliation with the Little Sisters of the Poor, Nancy was passionate about the Order's work supporting dying elderly with visitation, song and prayer to accompany them on their journey.

Nancy is predeceased by her husband, David, her son John, her granddaughter Emily Doria, her sister Mary Lou Sands and her brother Donald Ryder.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Mass Of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Mary of the Annunciation Cemetery, 155 Hobart Street, Danvers. Family & Friend's are respectfully invited to attend.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Catholic Schools Foundation (Boston)

https://www.csfboston.org/

67 Batterymarch St. 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02110

Or

Little Sisters of the Poor (Enfield, CT)

https://www.littlesistersofthepoorconnecticut.org/

1365 Enfield Street

Enfield, CT 06082-4925