Nancy M. (Manzo) Dunne

Waltham - Nancy M. (Manzo) Dunne, died at Care Dimensions Hospice Residence in Lincoln on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was 85. Nancy was born on June 27, 1940, in New Haven, Connecticut. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Carmel (Nuzzo) Manzo.

A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Nancy earned her nursing degree from St. Francis Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1960. As a registered nurse, Nancy worked at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Waltham Hospital, and ended her successful 30-year career at New England IVF clinic in Waltham. While working as a nurse, Nancy had the opportunity to meet Medford native, Charles A. Dunne, and they later married on April 6, 1968. They made Waltham their home for more than 57 years. Charlie died on November 4, 2025.

In addition to being a loving wife of 57 years to the late Charles A. [Charlie] Dunne, Nancy is survived by her children, Charles M. ‘Chuck’ Dunne (Kelli) of Charleston, South Carolina; Kathleen M. Hirsh (Thomas) of Marlborough; her grandchildren, Jason, Owen, Thomas IV, Tavin, and Zepherin; her sister, Marie Sullivan of North Haven, Connecticut; her sister-in-law Dolores ‘Dee’ A. LeGeyt (Earl) of Yarmouth Port; and many nieces and nephews.

Together, Nancy and Charlie took many trips throughout New England, visiting Cape Cod all year round, and traveled to Tuscany, Bermuda, Aruba, and Puerto Rico. They loved to celebrate and believed there was never a bad reason to have a party. From backyard barbecues by the pool to the Italian Christmas Eve tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Nancy would entertain family and friends, and she enjoyed sharing good food, wine, and conversation. Nancy and Charlie could turn any day into a celebration.

Nancy was a loving friend, a gardener, a woman of faith, a Eucharistic minister, hospice volunteer. She was nicknamed by a fellow nurse as "Half a Banana Nancy" because she would only eat half of a banana and offer the other half to anyone around her. Nancy was also a collector. She saved every holiday card, baby announcement, and thank you note that anyone ever sent her. Those expressions of thoughtfulness were important to her. It was equally important that others knew how much she loved them. And there wasn't a charity that Nancy didn't support.

As a huge UConn Women's basketball fan, Nancy would often go to games with her sister, Marie. She was excited when she finally met UConn coach, Geno Auriemma, and received his autograph.

To her nephew, Ray, she was the best aunt. Steadfast and loving, Aunt Nancy would provide the support he needed to get him through medical procedures overseas. She asked for nothing in return but a single Hail Mary.

Kathy and Chuck have fond memories chatting with her over coffee or tea and enjoying chocolate or Italian pastries.

Lovingly called “Gram” by her grandsons, Nancy loved hearing about and cheering on their interests, passions, and successes. Her grandsons were her pride and joy. She saved every school art project or photograph they gave her.

Family and friends will honor and remember Nancy's life by gathering at an Evening Wake on Tuesday, December 16th at Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rt.20), Waltham from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

Those wishing to view the broadcast of the funeral Mass please use this link: https://stjulia.org/livestream-archive-masses/