Nancy Carret Lopez-Balboa

Nancy was born on October 20, 1936 in Havana, Cuba, the only child of José Manuel Carret and Gertrudis Eustaquia Asensio. Nancy married Enrique López-Balboa at La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat in Havana in 1959. Nancy and Enrique’s almost 63-year marriage is a story of love, inspiration, and faith.

After graduating from St. George’s School in Havana, Nancy pursued her college education by attending the Georgetown Visitation Convent in Washington, DC. She subsequently graduated from Santo Tomás de Villanueva in Cuba with a BA in Economics. After leaving Cuba in 1961, she earned her second BA and an MA from Boston University.

Nancy taught Spanish at Boston University and was an adjunct professor at Montclair State University in New Jersey. A lifelong learner and teacher, Nancy relished in sharing life's lessons, and was never afraid to point out – albeit gently, and always with a smile – any errors in grammar or etiquette, especially when it came to pronouncing her last name.

In the US, after residing in Massachusetts and Costa Rica, Nancy and her family eventually settled in the tri-state area with homes in New Jersey, New York City, and Southampton, NY. Her wit, charm, and worldliness fostered many long-lasting friendships. A devout Catholic, she was a member of The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton and St. Jean Baptiste in New York City. She also made several pilgrimages throughout her life to Lourdes, France.

Nancy was a nourishing source of strength for her family and friends. Her mischievous independence was a constant source of laughter and light. Starting a new life in the United States, Nancy's love and resilience led to many self-taught talents – she was an accomplished cook, a creative seamstress, an interior designer, an exquisite hostess, a college professor, an expert interpreter, and more.

Nancy was proud of the life her family has been able to lead in the

United States. Above all, she was selfless, graceful, a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, daughter, friend, and mentor. Everyone who met Nancy was struck by her positive energy, humor, and meticulous memory.

In the family memoirs, Nancy's husband Enrique wrote that Nancy was “…never selfish and always supportive, encouraging both her children and me (Enrique) during trying times, teaching her children self-respect while respecting others and inculcating them with Christian values. What else could anyone ask for? I (Enrique) thank God every day for having her in His designs to be my friend, my lover, and my companion for life into eternity.”

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Enrique, and her four children Frank, Victor, Enrique (wife, Monica) and Ileana (husband, Raul Torres). She was blessed to have been "Abuela" to 12 grandchildren – Cristian (wife, Barbara), Andrew (wife, Veronica), Jake, Olivia, William, Taylor, Claudia, Colby, Natalia Torres, Matthew, Diego Torres, and Mia Lynn – and "Bisabuela" to one great grandchild, Atlas.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held in early 2023.