Nancy Ann Heffernan Veale, 66, went to be with the Lord while she was surrounded by the love of her family after a long and courageous fight on December 20, 2020. With her razor-sharp wit and her tough Irish spirit, she faced her challenges with a fire that could light the world. Born on November 22, 1954 in Salem, MA, she was the daughter of the late Richard Patrick Heffernan Sr. and Barbara Ann (Leary) Heffernan.

Nancy grew up in Salem and Danvers, MA and was a 1973 graduate of Danvers High School. After studying business at Salem State College, she worked in administrative roles for Cole Surveys at the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston and then for Barker Steel of Watertown and Milford, MA. Though she lived in many places throughout her life, Nancy spent most of her years in Merrimack, NH and later Manchester, NH.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Richard Patrick Heffernan Jr. and her sister-in-law Nancy J (Ray) Heffernan.

For over 35 years, Nancy was a loving and devoted wife to Rob, and together they raised three sons. She was especially proud of Keith, Nicholas, Matthew and her daughters-in-law Kaitlin and Paula. Her whit and firey spirit was only matched by her brother Tom, who she would do anything for. Nancy adored her grandchildren and they made her so happy. She treasured her time with Kaleb, Joseph, Aiden and Zachary. Nancy was dearly loved by her husband's family; parents Russ and Ellie, brothers Jim and David, sisters-in law Lisa and Maria, nephews Michael and Benjamin, and nieces Elizabeth, Annabel and Kelli.  Her smile and laugh will live on in the stories told by her many "aunts" and cousins.

The Heffernan and Veale families are very close, thanks to many years at Pine Knoll Campground, where Rob and Nancy met, then frequent family visits to the North Conway area over the last 25 years. The White Mountains were a second home, full of many of her favorite places and some of the best family memories. Nancy cherished her travel with Rob and deeply loved their trip to Key West, FL. Whenever Nancy would struggle, she would think of floating in brother Tom's pool in Florida. It was the happy place in her mind that calmed her down.

Our family would like to thank the angels and heroes from the Visiting Nurses Association of Manchester and Southern NH and the Elliot Hospital who gave us so much extra time with Nancy. We are eternally grateful for the care, support and friendship they shared with her. She was so appreciative of your hard work.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours from 4–7pm on Monday December 28th at the Rivet Funeral Home located at 425 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 9:30am on Tuesday, December 29th. Mask wearing and social distancing is mandatory for all attendees and proper precautions are in place at both locations.

Memorial donations in Nancy's honor may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Manchester and Southern NH, 1070 Holt Ave, Suite 1400, Manchester, NH, 03109 by mail or online at https://www.manchestervna.org/give-a-gift