Nancy M. (Kinne) MacPherson

Nancy M. (Kinne) MacPherson, a longtime Needham resident died on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Briarwood Healthcare in Needham. She was 87 years old.
Born Nancy Martha Kinne, in Springfield, Vermont on June 4, 1924, she was the middle child of Ray Kinne and Mattie Stoddard Kinne. Nancy came to Needham Massachusetts 4 years later, when her father founded Kinne’s Pharmacy, -- the business her future husband would run. It wasn’t but a few short years later, she and seven second grade friends founded their childhood “Happy Hikers” club; a bonding that would continue to the present day. A 1942 Honor Roll graduate of Needham High School, she played field hockey, and earned the captaincy for the basketball and tennis teams. In addition she was a drummer for both the Girl Scout Drum and Bugle Corps and the Needham High School Band. After graduation, Nancy headed to Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where, in addition to joining the Delta Gamma sorority and majoring in French, she developed a new passion as President of the Swans (a synchronized swimming club) which would be part of her life for many years. Returning to Needham, she married Earl MacPherson in 1947 after he returned from serving in the Pacific with the US Navy. While Earl was completing his degree at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy they lived in Boston and Nancy entered the full time working world at Liberty Mutual. She and Earl returned to Needham in 1950 and she remained a Needham resident for the rest of her life. She left the paid working world and committed her abundant energy to her family and community. Volunteering at the Glover Memorial Hospital and assisting at virtually every American Red Cross Blood drive (as well as being connected to the soda fountain at Kinne’s Pharmacy) made her a foundation in the community. She taught swimming at Tabor Day Camp, was active in the Congregational Church and a leader for the Band Parent’s Club and the Parents Club for the Air Force Academy. She stayed involved in her children’s activities as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, a volunteer at the school libraries and Sunday School teacher. Her home and all the homes of her children have beds and sofas adorned with her homemade quilts many with remnants of outgrown clothing - the memories literally sewn in. Nancy remained an athlete throughout her life with passion and skill on the tennis courts and ski slope. She shared that love with her family and expanded it to include camping trips and long bike rides. She could periodically stop moving and used that time to play bridge and read to her children and grandchildren. Her commitment to family extended well beyond her 3 children, it welcomed her mother into their home, was the basis for 4th of July parade parties, and cookouts for all sorts of family and friends. This August she and Earl would have celebrated 64th wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband, Nancy is survived by her three children Craig MacPherson and Ann MacPherson Malconian both of Exeter New Hampshire and Joan MacPherson of Amesbury, MA; daughter-in-law Pat McLean MacPherson, and three grandchildren Daniel Malconian of Boston, Sarah MacPherson of Denver, and Brian MacPherson of Allston. She is predeceased by two brothers, Clifton Kinne of Needham and Alan Kinne of Maine; and one son-in-law Mark Malconian.
A Memorial Service will be held the Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Plain Ave Needham on Monday, June 20th at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers and in deep appreciation for the staff and care she received, donations may be made to Briarwood Healthcare, 150 Lincoln Street, Needham, MA 02492. Arrangements by the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham.

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