Nancy G. Coutts

Our beloved mother passed away peacefully in her home on February 11, 2025.Born on August 11, 1940, in Portland, Maine to Earle & Doris Gorrie who were both teachers. She grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School where she was a member of the basketball team and a flutist in the marching band. She also played softball and loved to water ski, sail, and ice skate.

After graduation, Nancy attended the Chamberlain School of Design in Boston where she pursued her passion for interior design and fashion. Upon obtaining her degree, she worked as a buyer in Boston.

Throughout high school and college, she worked summers at the Narragansett Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine. It was there that she met our father, Stewart (Stew) Coutts, where he worked summers at the hotel as well. They were married on November 25, 1961. As a young couple, they moved frequently for Stew’s work: Boston, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City. During those years, they welcomed three children: Greg, Beth, and Cyndi.They finally returned to the east coast where they settled in Connecticut to raise their family. Mom returned to Maine once her children spread their wings and left the area.

As an athlete and fan of athletics, Mom instilled the same love and passion for sports in her children. She coached many of our youth sports teams and cheered from the sidelines at our various sporting events throughout our lives.

Nancy loved the arts (art, music, and literature). She was a talented soprano who sang in many settings, including the White Hills Chorale. She loved reading, writing, and creating poetry.

An avid painter and sketch artist, she started painting again in earnest as her children became more independent. She continued to create beautiful paintings and sketches for the rest of her life. She met some of her most cherished and beloved friends through her involvement in the arts. Nancy enjoyed working in several mediums: pencil, pen, and watercolor, but preferred acrylics. She was most recognized for her realism and blending and play of color. She was a juried member, past President, and President Emeritus of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks. She was honored with many awards throughout her career, including two prestigious Grumbacher Award gold medals, one in 1998 for “Peonies” and again in 1999 for “Poppies”.Nancy gave of her time and talent to many organizations: past Co-Chairman of the Maine Women in the Arts, President of the Art Association of Sanford and Springvale, President of the Fleet Gallery, Director of the Union Gallery in York, as well as a Board Member of the Sanford YMCA.

Nancy journeyed across five continents, visited over twenty countries, and passed her love of travel and adventure on to her children. The place she was fondest of and returned to time and again was Scotland, spending time with dear friends; Ian, Roslyn, and Michael Coutts on their farm, Bograxie, near the hills of Bennachie. Their farm was her place of respite, joy, love, and friendship. Every time she travelled there she said she was going HOME. Haste Ye Back Mom.

Family vacations at the lake were a beloved tradition that Mom & Dad made special. Our precious lake time left indelible memories on us that sustain us to this day. We had a wonderful family reunion at the lake last summer, and the time spent together at the lake was a wonderful gift.

Mom had a quick wit and found humor in all things. Her warmth and kindness were palpable, with a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes and a laugh that would make you smile and put you at ease. She taught us to believe in ourselves and encouraged us to live our lives to the fullest.

Our home was the neighborhood gathering place for our friends with many adopting her as a second Mom. She touched many lives and grew our “chosen family” to include so many wonderful people. She was richly blessed with deep friendships with Val Cervantes and Pam Brown, whom she regarded as adopted daughters. Linda and Jan VanTassell, Gail & Gary Tanguay, and their wonderful family who were dear friends and a phone call away to assist when needed. Thank you all for loving our mother as you so beautifully did.

Our mother was love defined. She was as close to us as our own breath and intuitively knew us like no other. She freely gave unconditional love, encouragement, and support. Our home was a haven, providing a nurturing foundation, precious childhood memories, and magical experiences. We are forever blessed to have her love us so deeply as our mother and our best friend.

Although we miss her dearly, we celebrate the amazing life she lived.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Stew. She is survived by her son Greg (Stacey), daughters Beth and Cyndi and three grandchildren, Lindsey Andrade (Tobi), Greg Coutts (Becca) and Alyssa Coutts.

A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
 
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back,                                                                                                             
May the sun shine warm upon your face,                                                                                                                May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again                                                        
And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Art Guild of the Kennebunks, P.O. Box 2658, Kennebunkport, ME 04046.