Nancy P. (Salston) Leifer, aged 77, died peacefully on November 26 of Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Brooklyn to Myron and Minnie Salston, Nancy grew up in North Bellmore, Long Island.
A 49-year resident of Wayland, she was the beloved wife of Bret Leifer for nearly 55 years, and the cherished mother of Melissa and Jill. Nancy’s kindness, energy, and quiet generosity were shared freely with all those lucky enough to have known her.
A graduate of Stony Brook and Tufts Universities, Nancy earned a Certificate of Advanced Study from Lesley College, and was one of the first Special Education teachers in the Commonwealth. She taught at the Weston Public Schools from 1972 to 2007, and after her formal retirement, served as a substitute teacher until 2010. She often joked that her car knew the way to Weston without her help.
Nancy bettered the lives of hundreds of students, and her office was a welcome safe haven when they were having a tough day. She would greet them with tenderness, empathetic listening, a bowl of candy, and sage advice. Many students, and their grateful parents, continued to stay in touch long after graduation. Recently, she received a lovely family picture from a successful businessman with a note that read: “You always believed in me – when no one else did.”
One long-time colleague noted: “Nancy was the best teacher I’ve ever seen. I never saw her lose her temper or her patience with a child in more than 35 years.”
An ardent community activist and volunteer in Wayland who was never shy about making her voice heard at Annual Town Meeting, Nancy served as a Brownie Troop leader when her daughters were young. “Nancy was such a strong advocate for older adults,” said Julie Secord, Director of Wayland’s Council on Aging, where Nancy served on its Board as well as on the Board of Friends of the COA. For their fundraising events, she pitched in to serve food and help with the massive clean-up afterwards. “Nancy was a tiger at heart,” continued Secord. “She had such spirit, passion, and a deep commitment to our community.”
Her husband said of their first meeting: “Nancy’s aunt was my parents’ accountant, and always wanted me to visit her niece. I finally did, and we married in 1971, five days after her birthday – what a great present for us!”
Nancy stayed in shape with Pilates, and read two books a week, which she enjoyed discussing with her many friends. Gardening – especially sunflowers and raspberries – brought her delight, as did lying in the sun and listening to the Beatles. Later in life, said her daughter Melissa, Nancy became a devoted dog lover.
In addition to her husband and daughters, Nancy is survived by her brother, Robert (Liz) Salston, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lesli and Michael Garvett, seven nieces and nephews, and many valued long-time friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements are private. Those who wish to honor Nancy’s life are welcome to make a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s https://curealz.org/giving/donate or mail to 34 Washington Street, Suite 230, Wellesley MA, 02481.