Nancy L. Adams Bennett June 26, 1943 – September 23, 2026 Nancy L. Adams Bennett passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and community devotion. Born on June 26, 1943, in Brookline, MA, to John Dresser Adams and Marjorie Louise (Driscoll) Adams, Nancy was a lifelong resident of Duxbury. Her deep connection to the town began in early childhood, spending idyllic summers on Powder Point at her grandmother’s house before her family permanently relocated to Duxbury. She attended the Park School in Brookline and, later, Duxbury Public Schools, proud to be a member of the Duxbury High School Class of 1961.

 Descended from several of Duxbury's founding families, Nancy dedicated much of her life to preserving the unique history and character of the town she held so dear. She served with distinction both as a Trustee of the Duxbury Beach Reservation and as a longtime Trustee of the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society. Her keen interest in preservation also led her to active roles on the Duxbury Historical Commission and the Community Preservation Committee. Her passion project was spearheading the restoration of the Blue Fish Firehouse, Duxbury’s historic first firehouse. Today, the building stands as a visible testament to her tenacity and deep civic pride—an achievement so valued by her community that the town issued an official proclamation naming her "Honorary Chief of the Blue Fish Firehouse."

As her children were learning to skate, Nancy headed up Duxbury’s first “Learn to Skate” program, which was a feeder to the Duxbury Youth Hockey program, and ignited an interest in figure skating for many.

In her professional life, Nancy worked for several years at the Studio of Duxbury and was the co-owner, alongside her husband, of Bennett Lobster and Seafood, and Island Creek Fisheries. Beyond her civic and business pursuits, she found great joy in the natural world. She was an avid gardener who found peace watching the local ospreys and feeding the birds and chipmunks that visited her yard. Nancy also shared an enduring love for animals, welcoming many cherished dogs and cats into her home over the years, holding a particularly special fondness for the many Newfoundlands she raised.

Nancy’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 66 years, Arthur W. "Billy" Bennett, and their three children: Deborah Elfers Haffenreffer (and her husband, Mark) of Boston and South Dartmouth; Nancy Lee Bennett (and her partner, Jack Marshall) of Campton, New Hampshire; and William Adams "Skip" Bennett of Duxbury. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought immense light to her life. 

A private grave-side service will be held, with a memorial gathering planned for a future date to celebrate Nancy's remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy’s honor to Cranberry Hospice: 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360. Nancy had a special appreciation for the important work that Cranberry Hospice provides for area families and served as a volunteer coordinator for their “Festival of Trees” fundraiser for many years.