Joan "Nancy" (Lang) Shand

Joan “Nancy” Shand passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024 at the age of 93. She was born on June 27, 1930 in Teaneck, NJ to William and Florence Lang. She spent her childhood in Woodcliff Lake, NJ before moving to Pearl River, NY in 1944. It was there that she would meet and marry her partner in life, Richard “Dick” Shand, with whom she raised their four children in their home on Crooked Hill Rd. In 1984, when Dick retired, they moved to Carolina Trace in Sanford, NC. There they enjoyed an abundance of laughter and good times, with old friends and new, for over 26 years together until Dick’s passing in 2010. In 2013, Nancy returned to the Northeast to Newbury Village in Brookfield, CT, where she endeared herself to so many in that community. She enjoyed 10 years there before moving to The Village at Brookfield Common, where through her kindness and outgoing personality she was beloved by friends and staff alike.

Nancy was an avid gardener and landscaper and loved nothing more than to dig in the dirt and make the yard look pristine. She was always active and over the years kept in shape through various activities including swimming, tennis and golf. She was known for her stylish dress and was always well put together: outfit, earrings, bracelet, and shoes, all coordinated.

Nancy’s greatest gift to all was the giving of herself. Whether through her seasonal and holiday decorating, sending cards and notes for every occasion, or baking cookies for a sick friend, she was always thinking of others, and always extremely punctual in the execution of that thoughtfulness. She was a truly kind and generous woman, a loyal friend, a loving and wonderful mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a woman of faith and a bright light to all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her son Thomas Shand and wife Jackie of Gore, VA, her daughter Lisa Armstrong and husband Frank of Danbury, CT, her daughter-in-law Marie Raiti and husband Joe of Rock Tavern, NY, her 12 grandchildren and her 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Dick, her sons David and Stephen, and her brother Billy.

A funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Gregg Mecca at St. Peter Church in Danbury, CT on Saturday, April 6 at 11 AM.

Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to St. Peter Church Restoration Fund or Ridgefield VNA Health Hospice.

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