After her several decades long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Nancy (Briggs) Muse, 86, of Reading and formerly a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Claremont, New Hampshire, to the late John and Gladys (Crissel) Briggs, Nancy spent her early years in Hartland, Vermont before moving to Reading, Massachusetts. After graduating from Reading High School, Nancy continued her education, earning her certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Tewksbury Hospital in 1960.

Starting in their early teens Nancy and her husband, Donald Muse, were neighbors and friends. That relationship evolved into a marriage that lasted just shy of 62 years. Nancy and Don built a life centered around family, friendship, hard work, laughter, and simply enjoying each other's company. In later years, they were fortunate to escape the New England winters to Fort Myers, Florida, while looking forward to summers in Wells, Maine. Wells became a particularly special place where Nancy and Don shared their love of the beach and seafood with their children and grandchildren.

Nancy began her career as an LPN, and it was fitting that her time in nursing included working in pediatrics. Babies always held a special place in Nancy's heart. Few things brought her more happiness than having a newborn in her arms, and she never passed up an opportunity to hold, cuddle, or sneak a kiss from a baby.

When their youngest daughter began elementary school, Nancy took her natural love of children in a different direction by opening a small, in-home daycare. Her daycare was more than a business. Nancy provided a place where children were cared for, comforted, entertained, and loved. She started caring for others’ children alongside her own, continued this service as her children grew up, and was fortunate enough to care for many of her grandchildren in their early years.

Nancy's dedication to young people extended beyond her home. When her daughters were young, she became involved with Girl Scouts and served as their Girl Scout leader. When her daughters eventually moved on from scouting Nancy continued to participate, giving her time, encouragement, and guidance to countless young girls and less experienced leaders.

Nancy had an insatiable sweet tooth and lived by the rule, "Eat dessert first." She certainly knew about desserts, especially anything chocolate. Her chocolate chip cookies were a staple at holidays and gatherings, and a batch of Nancy's cookies didn’t last long. If you needed a treat, Nancy could be counted on to have a root beer barrel, smarties, or a bullseye hiding in her pocketbook. She was the candy lady. When other parents brought orange slices to the sideline of a soccer game, Nancy showed up with a bag of candy.

Of all the roles Nancy held throughout her life, being a grandmother was among her most treasured. She was fortunate to develop close relationships with her grandchildren. She wasn't simply someone they visited on holidays or special occasions; Gram was a constant presence in their lives. She watched them grow, celebrated their accomplishments, shared in their everyday moments, and gave them the same warmth, humor, and unconditional love that defined her as a mother.

Nancy's life was one of caring for others. Whether she was holding a newborn in the nursery, welcoming a child into her daycare, leading a Girl Scout troop, helping with a Burlington parade, baking cookies for the people she loved, sharing a summer day in Wells, or acting as chauffer, Nancy gave those around her something invaluable: her time and her presence.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Muse of Reading, adoring children, Pamela Noyes and her husband Alan of Tewksbury, MA., Cheryl Andronico and her husband William of Bolton, MA., and Jennifer Plant and her husband Jason of Merrimack, NH., her sister, Susan Ellis and her husband Larry of North Carolina, beloved grandchildren, Allison Noyes, Christina Rosenthal and her husband Charles, William Andronico Jr., Jennifer Andronico, Sofia Andronico, Nicolas Plant and Alexander Plant, a great grandson, Levi Rosenthal and a sister-in-law, Rita Lewis of Wilmington, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Nancy was predeceased by her siblings, John “Jackie” W. Briggs and Thomas Briggs.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visiting hours on Sunday, September 20th from 4pm to 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington MA. Her Funeral Home Service will be held on Monday, September 21, beginning at 10:30 in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association at support.apdaparkinson.org. Arrangements are by Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, www.sullivanfuneralhome.net