For Immediate Support: 1-781-828-0811
Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Nancy A. Ruane, 82, of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, after a life marked by devotion to her family, her work, and the many people whose lives she touched with her warmth and steady kindness.
She was born on April 30, 1944, in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Oliver and Cornelia Becker. Nancy carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and family throughout her life, and those who knew her best will remember her as a woman of quiet strength, generosity, and grace. She was the beloved wife of the late John Ruane Jr., with whom she shared a loving marriage and a life centered on family.
Nancy was the proud mother of Kathryn DelBene and her husband Kenneth of Peabody, Cindy LeBlanc and her husband Robert of Mansfield, and the late John Ruane III and his wife Renee of Canton. She was also a cherished sister to Oliver Becker of Virginia, Bruce Becker of Las Vegas, Robert Becker of Washington, and William Becker of Maine. Her family was the heart of her life, and she took great joy in the accomplishments, milestones, and everyday moments she shared with them. She was a devoted grandmother to John Ruane IV, Leah LeBlanc, Nicole Le Blanc, Trevor Ruane, Thomas LeBlanc, and Emily Delbene, and she was blessed to become a great grandmother to Theodore Ruane. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her presence will be deeply missed at every gathering, holiday, and family celebration.
Nancy graduated from Canton High School and lived in Canton for many years before making her home in Marstons Mills in 1995. She embraced each place she lived with the same sense of community and commitment that defined her life. Her years in Canton and later on Cape Cod reflected a life built around family, work, and meaningful connections with others.
In her working life, Nancy was known for her reliability, professionalism, and kind manner. She worked as an office manager for Doctor Batchelder, where she was valued for her organization and dependable nature. She later served as a teacher’s aide at the Hemingway School, a role that allowed her to offer patience and encouragement to children and staff alike. Nancy eventually returned to office management at Patriot Alarms, continuing a career distinguished by responsibility and dedication. In each position she held, she brought a calm presence and a strong work ethic that earned the respect of those around her.
Nancy also gave of herself beyond her family and career. She was a Girl Scout leader when she was younger, and that experience reflected her willingness to guide, teach, and support others. She believed in setting a good example and in helping young people grow with confidence and care. Her influence as a leader extended far beyond those years, as she continued throughout her life to offer encouragement, practical help, and a listening ear to those who needed it.
In her personal time, Nancy loved reading, traveling, and camping. These interests brought her joy and gave her opportunities to explore, learn, and create lasting memories with those she loved. Whether she was enjoying a good book, setting out on a trip, or spending time outdoors, she appreciated the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of shared experiences. Her love of adventure was balanced by the comfort she found in home and family, and she treasured both equally.
Nancy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her steady presence, and the many ways she made life better for others. Her kindness, her sense of responsibility, and her enduring love left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a deep sadness, her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, brothers, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home in Canton on Sunday, May 10th from 2-5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 11th at St. Oscar Romero Parish, Canton, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy A Ruane, please visit our floral store.