Mystic - Nancy Horn Soderberg died peacefully at her home in Mystic surrounded by her four daughters and a strong support team from Hospice on August 17, 2006.
She was born on June 20, 1913, in Paterson, N.J., the daughter of Margery Schuyler Horn and John Howard Horn. After attending Kent Place School and Bryn Mawr College, she trained as a nursery school teacher at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.
As a young child, she summered on Mason’s Island where she met and married the marine artist Yngve Edward Soderberg in 1934. They lived in the house that “Sody” built on the end of Money Point Road, where they survived the 1938 hurricane. It was an idyllic place for painting, but being the only family living year-long on the island prompted them to move into the town of Mystic where their daughters could have schooling and friends.
Nancy started the first nursery school in Mystic with Willa Schuster, Top Clift Play Group, in 1950, and was active in community affairs as a Girl Scout Leader, the Parent-Teacher organization, the Mystic Congregational Church, and Mason’s Island Yacht Club. After closing the nursery school, she served as tutor in the local grade school for kids needing special one-on-one help and delivered library books to the elderly at Mystic Manor. She was a strong supporter of her four daughters’ activities, always there to cheer them on at tennis tournaments and sailing regattas - and at home to provide a loving environment.
She is survived by her daughters, Karin Soderberg, of Hope Valley, R.I., Martha Soderberg, of Middlebury, Vt., Dagny St. John, of South Londonderry, Vt., and Linda and Sam Saltonstall, of Portland, Maine. Also six grandsons, Tim and Shelly Clark, Chris Clark and Katherine Bill, Tom Saltonstall, Tyler and Jenny Saltonstall, Sverre St. John, and Jordi St. John; plus two great-grandchildren, Ashley Clark and Nolan Saltonstall.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 21, at 11 a.m. at the Mystic Congregational Church. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Scottie Rescue League of New England, Hospice, and Mystic Seaport, or please give to the organization of your choice.
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