Nancy Alexanian of Worcester MA passed away peacefully on July 30th in her Holden, MA home. Nancy was the beloved wife and widow of Dr. Fred Bauer, philosophy professor from Assumption College. Nancy and Fred were married on May 18, 1980, and not surprisingly, it was also the day of Mt. St. Helen's eruption! They were happily married for 37 years until Fred's death in 2017. Nancy leaves behind two brothers, Nick Alexanian, Jr, of Worcester, and Nubar Alexanian of Gloucester. She also had a sister, Christine, who predeceased her.
Although she remained fiercely independent, Nancy was surrounded by family and closest friends day and night, who loved and cared for her; Frank Brachanow, Adrian Bauer, Kate Green, Helen McMahon, John Solaperto, Donna Giancola, Marie Ginga, Regina Edmonds, Melanie Rose and Amy and Dave Miller. A special thanks is in order for the wonderful care Nancy received from Senior Helpers, including Harriet, Nana, Claudia, Adora, and Hawa as well as the nurses and staff at Beacon Hospice.
For her family and friends and all who knew her Nancy was a force of nature. She was a courageous woman of strong character, piercing intelligence, unwavering passion and creative energy. She leaves behind an abundant legacy of personal and professional accomplishments. Nancy studied widely in the fields of Psychology, Philosophy, and English, obtaining her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Assumption College in 1979. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling in 1993 and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1996, also from Assumption College.
Nancy was an accomplished artist, singer and songwriter playing piano and singing at local events and writing a musical for Broadway. Nancy was also very involved in the Elm Park Neighborhood Association when she lived on Elm Street in Worcester. She was a skilled Lapidary, creating many unique and stunning jewelry pieces that were carried in exclusive shops. She was a world traveler, having visited many exotic and unique places in the 1970's including the Soviet Union, Armenia and the Middle East. Her most notable traveling companion was her grandfather, whom she admired and who raised her, along with her grandmother. Later in life she became therapist and a medical/mental health advocate defending anyone in need and fighting for responsible care and justice. Those who loved her knew her as a trusted friend, a lover of animals and all things innocent, and a beacon for wayward souls. She will ever reside in our hearts. May she find peace and joy and reunion with Fred in eternity.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will take place on Friday, August 14th at 11:00am in O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester MA. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League.