LACONIA ---- It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy C. Carsen, 79, of Laconia, after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She died on Friday, October 24, 2025, just a few months shy of her 80th birthday, with loved ones by her side.
Nancy was born in Flushing, New York on January 9, 1946, the beloved only child of Joseph and Isabel Balabas. After marrying Roy Carsen in 1965, she worked as a bilingual (French/English) secretary at Mobil Oil in New York City while Roy worked his way through dental school and orthodontic school. The couple settled in Gilford in 1974, where they built a thriving life and family alongside many friends; in later years they moved to Laconia.
Nancy worked for many years as the secretary at St. James Church in Laconia. She was a longtime member of the Gilford Rotary Club and the Gilford Community Church, as well as an enthusiastic volunteer at Hands Across the Table (HATT). She enjoyed skiing at Gunstock, boating, hiking, traveling, flying, and above all being “Nonnie” to her four grandchildren: Matthew, Lorelei, Hailey, and Nicholas.
Nancy is survived by her children and their spouses, Jennifer (Eric) and Daniel (Alicia); her grandchildren; her devoted companion, Ed Finch; and many special friends. She was predeceased by her parents, and by Roy in 2022. She will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Gilford Community Church.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name may be made to HATT, PO Box 6553, Laconia, NH 03247.
The family would like to thank the wonderful oncology team at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon and all the caring people at the Granite VNA.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.