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Nancey Drinkwine

Date of Death: September 9, 2011

Date of Birth: June 22, 1948

Biography:

LIVERMORE — Nancey Drinkwine, 63, of Hartford, mother, partner, friend and confidante, passed away suddenly on Friday, Sept. 9.

She was born June 22, 1948, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of James and Lillias (Dixie) Drinkwine. She grew up in Squantum and graduated from North Quincy High School in 1966.

Nancey’s career spanned a wide variety of paths, from dental hygienist, to advertising agent, to working with computer software, to real estate broker, and lastly, a passion for volunteerism and as a living history interpreter. Music has always been a part of her life, and at age 27, she discovered the flute. As a flutist, she performed in many ensembles and orchestras, as well as taught flute in both the greater Boston and Washington, D.C., areas. While in Alexandria, Va., Nancey started volunteering and then working at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate as a historic interpreter. From there, she moved to the “livestock” side of Mount Vernon. In livestock, she learned how farming was done in the late 18th century. She learned how to harness and drive teams of oxen, horses and her favorite, mules. She also developed an interest in caring for horses, studying equine massage in Florida and in Beijing, China.

Nancey later relocated to Maine, settling into her Hillside Haven in Hartford. Nancey came to Maine to settle down, lead a less busy life and to eventually retire. She did everything but that! She started volunteering and then working at Washburn Norlands Living History Center in Livermore. In later years, she became the volunteer coordinator and operations director, as well as serving on the board of directors. Nancey became one of the motivating forces in bringing Norlands back from the ashes after the April 2008 fire. She also served with the Maine Lakes & Mountains Tourism Council; the Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce; the Androscoggin Volunteer Administrators; and helped with the Hartford News. And during all of this “less busy life," she also trained to become a life coach.

Nancey leaves behind her husband, Garnett Rutherford of Hartford; a daughter and her husband, Laura and John Pimentel and their daughters, Megan Sprague and Erin Pimentel of Bedford, Mass.; a niece and her husband, Becky and Patrick Ford and their children, Caitlin and Brendan of Scituate, Mass; a stepson and his wife, Alexander and Elise Rutherford and their children, Atrus and Chancellor of Enfield; a mother-in-law, Doris Rutherford of Howland; a sister-in-law, Joyce Arthurs and her partner, Eric Arsenault, of Levant; a brother-in-law and his wife, Garry and Karla Rutherford of Brockway, New Brunswick; special cousins and their far-flung families, the Rev. Robert and Nancy Sabean of San Jose, Costa Rica, Dr. David and Ruth Sabean of Los Angeles, Calif., and Dr. John and Carol Sabean of Pickering, Ontario. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Laura Dow of Arlington, Va.; the extensive Norlands family; many special friends all over the world; and the three kitties, Brooksey, Almira and CW.

Nancey was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Penney Monelo Jordan; her aunt, Myrna Sabean; and her longtime constant companion, Emma (Mooch Pooch).

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, Sept.18 in the Meeting House at Washburn Norlands Living History Center at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Washburn Norlands Barn Raising Fund.