ORANGE, MA – Nancy J. (Barnes) Blackmer, 94, of Wheeler Avenue, died peacefully in her sleep at Athol Hospital on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Born in Orange on December 6, 1931, she was the daughter of Harold and Myrtle (Swan) Barnes and grew up in Orange, graduating from Orange High School in 1949.
On October 17, 1950, Nancy married J. Wesley Blackmer Jr. and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage and raising a family until his death on August 15, 2011.
Nancy worked for Tepper’s in Orange a few years.
A talented crafter, Nancy enjoyed crocheting and needle point with many of her creations donated to church fairs. She enjoyed cooking and gardening, especially her flowers. Family was most important to Nancy, loving time with all of them but especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Nancy was a very active member since childhood of the Orange United Methodist Church, serving on committees, helping with dinners, bake sales and fairs.
In 2025, Nancy received her 75 year pin as a member of the North Orange Grange.
Nancy is survived by her son, John Blackmer and his wife Terri of Pennsylvania; daughters, Linda George and her husband Stan of Virginia, Virginia Guignard and her husband Jon, and Janis Cox and her husband Wayne, all of New Hampshire; grandchildren, J.W. Cox (Carrie) of New Hampshire, Timothy George and Jennifer Gray, both of Virginia, Rebecca Ingram (Jason) of Massachusetts, Jean Whitten (Mike) of New Hampshire, and Amy Collins (Brendan) of Connecticut; great grandchildren, Emily Gray, Madison Whitten and Zachary Whitten; brothers, Leroy Barnes of New York and Kenneth Barnes of Maryland; a sister, Harriette Kring of Washington; a daughter in law, Nancy M. Blackmer of Orange; and many nephews and nieces.
Besides her parents and husband, Nancy was predeceased by a son, Bruce Blackmer on December 13, 2011; a brother, Leslie Barnes on November 21, 2024; and a sister, Alice Woessner on December 10, 2025.
Calling hours will be Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 3-6 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
Interment will be in South Cemetery, Orange.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Orange United Methodist Church, 104 South Main Street, Orange, MA 0134.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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