Nancy Brown (Fobes) Saunders
YARMOUTH – Nancy Brown Fobes Saunders passed away on July 19, 2025 after struggling with Alzheimer’s for an extended period of time. She was born on July 25, 1939, a daughter of Charles and Marjorie (Kimball) Fobes.
Nancy grew up in Portland and was a 1957 graduate of Deering High School. She went on to further her education at the University of Maine at Orono, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1961. As a young woman, Nancy was employed as a social worker by the Portland Housing Authority. She later worked for the Maine Sportsman Newspaper as a proofreader.
On July 29, 1967, Nancy married the love of her life, James C. Saunders Jr. and the two made their home on East Elm Street in Yarmouth. Nancy took pride in caring for her home and was pleased to have resided in the same home for 53 years. Some of Jim and Nancy’s favorite pastimes were spent on their sailboat, simply floating in the harbor. The two were married for 50 years until his death in 2017.
Nancy remained active throughout her life and enjoyed playing tennis and attending yoga classes. She was an avid reader and she especially enjoyed reading the newspaper: The Boston Globe, New York Times, or the local newspaper, she liked to stay up on current events. Nancy also had a deep appreciation for history and was proud of her family heritage as a descendant of military officer Myles Standish as well as the Brown Family of Grafton, and the Cushing family from Cushing Island. In addition, one of Nancy’s defining qualities was undoubtedly her love of animals.
Some of Nancy’s cherished memories were holiday dinners and family gatherings at her cousin’s home, Susan Kimball Lombard. During Nancy’s last years, she was grateful to Susan and her husband Brad for the support and care provided to her.
In addition to Susan and Brad, Nancy is survived by many cousins.
Per Nancy’s request, burial will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be made to the
Animal Refuge League
of Greater Portland
P.O. Box 336
Portland, ME 04098
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