Nancy J. Soctomah Obituary (1952 - 2024)

Sipayik - Nancy Jean 71, passed away on September 16, 2024 at the Northern Light Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born in Eastport Maine, daughter to Gertrude Soctomah. She attended grammar school at St. Ann's School, then attended a number of high schools across the country. She graduated from the University of Maine Machias with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology, she graduated May 31, 1992 with the honor Magna Cum Laude. Nancy worked at the two Passamaquoddy communities for over 40 years as tribal clerk, WIC director, secretary at many tribal programs. Nancy was very proud of the Tribal Domestic Violence Program she created at Sipayik. She was a fluent Passamaquoddy Language speaker and used that skill to work with her friend Dolly Apt on the tribal audio dictionary. Nancy was an avid quilter, loved riding her bike, one of her favorite memories was riding motorcycles with her son Colby, gardening, playing boggle and scrabble, baking and canning, and walks along the shore collecting sea glass near her home - Sipayik. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. Nancy Jean is survived by her loving son, Colby James Soctomah-Lewey, her sisters Madonna Soctomah, Sonja with husband Samuel Dana, Anne with husband Ted Faugno and brothers Donald Soctomah with wife Stephanie Francis, Mark Soctomah with Laurie Niles, Michael Bassett with wife Michele, and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was always a special auntie to many children as they grew into adulthood and she was a great auntie to the next generations of family. Nancy was pre-decreased by nephews, James Soctomah and Majik Francis. The communities of Sipayik & Indian Township light up their homes with purple lights to honor the work she did for the communities. She will be missed by her forever friends Veronica Moore, Cyril Francis and Dolly Apt. Nancy loved spending special times with her little great-niece, Ember Soctomah. The family would like to thank Tony Nicholas for his friendship and helping Nancy over the years and also thank you to a special sister/niece who helped her during the cancer battle. Graveside memorial service on her birthday Oct 19, 2024 for family and close friends.