It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Nancy Baer (Gabriel) of Swampscott on January 24th 2026. She was the loving daughter of Charles and Sophie Gabriel.
Nancy was a devoted and proud mother of her daughter Rhonda Shear and her husband Bruce and her son Steven Baer. Nancy was the loving grandmother of Dr. Melissa Shear and her husband, Adam Setterburg and Andrew Shear and his wife Brittany. She’s also survived by her great grandchildren, Margaux Setterburg and Preston Shear.
She was the dear sister of the late Melvin Gabriel.
Through her 93 ¾ year journey, she touched many lives with wisdom, humor, and perseverance. Nancy brought light and joy to every room she entered and taught us to cherish the small moments with gratitude and love. She was a source of love and warmth to everyone who knew her. She made you feel special.
Nancy was a highly successful advertising executive who worked with many local newspapers, including The Jewish Journal and the Boston Herald. She was a top producer in revenue and sales and was amazing at getting new accounts simply through a cold call. She was the function manager at Weylu’s in Saugus, Owner of Draperies by Nancy, and loved the theater and designed booklets for “Theater by the Sea” in Lynn helping obtain funding for the program.
Education was very important to Nancy, who took classes in accounting, advertising, graphic design and interior design.
Funeral services will be held at the Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave. Chelsea on Friday, January 30 at 12 noon. Interment is at 776 Baker Street in West Roxbury following the Chapel Service.
Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Congregation Shirat Hayam at shirathayamnantucket.org.