Harpswell – Nancy Schulze Andersen, 78, peacefully passed away Jan. 20, 2023, at the Hillhouse Assisted Living Facility in Bath, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer.
Nancy was born in New York City to Henry W. Schulze and Mildred C. Schulze on Oct. 17, 1944. She graduated from St. Hilda’s High School in New York City before going on to college. One of Nancy’s greatest accomplishments was to return to college as an older student through the Ada Comstock Scholars program at Smith College. She accomplished the four-year program in three years and received her Bachelor of Arts in American studies with a concentration in history and government.
Nancy married Donald F. Lorom and they resided in Harpswell and then Bennington, Vermont. After Don’s death in 2009, Nancy returned to Harpswell.
Early in Nancy’s career, she worked as a secretary and research assistant at the University of Connecticut and Columbia University in their schools of law. While in Maine, she worked as an administrative assistant at the Defense Fuel Support Point in Harpswell. She then went to Pollution Control Services in Gorham as a contract administrator. Next she worked as an American Sign Language interpreter at Parkview Adventist Medical Center and as an interpreter and tutor for Maine School Administrative District 75 and the Brunswick School Department. Nothing brought Nancy more joy than to work with students and help them to succeed. During her battle with cancer, she always said that she wanted to get better and get back to her students.
Outside of work, Nancy had a great passion for all animals. She had many dogs, cats and racehorses in her lifetime. She was a member of the Merriconeag Yacht Club and served on the committee boat for the sailboat races, sometimes firing the shotgun to start the race. She also was on the Harpswell Coastal Academy Board of Directors as another way to advocate for the education of students with different learning styles. She played tennis and enjoyed her yearly trip to the Adirondacks. Finally, Nancy loved watching Anna’s children, Charlie and Olivia, in various sports and activities. They were like grandchildren to her and she loved them dearly.
She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Mildred; her husband, Don; and her sister, Barbara Schulze Lemieux Irons.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Andersen, from Kiowa, Colorado; her son, Billy Andersen, from Lewiston; and her nieces, Lucky Lemieux, from Austin, Texas, and Marianna Ponziani, from Marshfield, Vermont.
Thank you to the many friends who provided support to Nancy with cards, meals and visits. This brought her great joy and comfort.
There will be a graveside service at the Hillcrest Cemetery followed by a party at Nancy’s request. The time and date will be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ms. Nancy Andersen’s Special Education Student Fund at Mt. Ararat High School, 68 Eagles Way, Topsham, ME 04086, or to the Midcoast Humane Society, 5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011.
