Nancy (Kearney) Cristiano

Nancy Cristiano of Thornton, NH passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 69. 

She was born on October 31, 1956, in Nashua, to Russell Kearney and Gabrielle (Boucher) Kearney. Nancy was raised in Nashua and attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Mount St. Mary’s High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Plymouth State University and later completed a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University in Pennsylvania.

Nancy devoted her professional life to education and public service. She spent more than 20 years as a teacher and librarian at Linwood Public Schools in Lincoln, NH, where she was known for her dedication to students and her love of learning. Nancy later served for 13 years as a reference librarian overseeing the Family Resource Connection at the New Hampshire State Library, where she took great pride in helping others. She was recipient of the NAMI award, an award that is given to an individual that has made outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness and suicide. 

Above all, Nancy cherished time spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed walking, reading, and helping people in any way she could. She loved visiting craft fairs and had a lifelong appreciation for staying active, enjoying running and swimming in her younger years. Nancy also found joy in tending to her houseplants, gardening, and spending time at the beach. Annual trips to Hampton became a treasured tradition long before she eventually settled at the seacoast. 

Nancy is survived by her children, Angela Thomas and her husband Greg of Leominster, MA, Michael Cristiano and his wife Jennifer of Hampton, and Katie Cristiano of NH. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Gabrielle, Alyssa, Ava, and Colby; her siblings, James Kearney and his wife Deborah of Tennessee and Claire Kearney of Deering; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to Nancy’s visitation on SATURDAY, January 10th from 9-10:45 a.m. at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Her Funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 10:45 a.m.

Nancy’s interment will follow at St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery, 48 W Hollis St., Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to a nonprofit of choice or the New Hampshire Food Bank by visiting https://nhfoodbank.org/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com.

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