Nancy Crocket Vining
Nancy Crocket Vining, 69 of Framingham, MA passed peacefully at home on May 31st, 2022.
Born in Washington DC, her family lived in Silver Springs, Maryland until settling in Simsbury,
CT. She graduated from Simsbury High School in 1970 and then attended High Point College in
North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Theater and met the
love of her life Matt. Nancy was a lifelong lover of music and theater; she starred in the
Simsbury Summer Theater for Youth’s production of Oliver, as Oliver, in 1968. She continued
participating both on stage and behind the scenes all through college.
In 1975, the same year she married Matthew, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Always the eternal optimist Nancy’s general response to her diagnosis was “better me than
someone else”. After the wedding Matt and Nancy moved to Amite, Louisiana, where Matt’s
extended family was from. Nancy was a teacher at Valley Forge Academy for several years
before her diagnosis forced her to resign. When the doctors cautioned her about having children
she didn’t let that stop her. Raising two children while enduring a debilitating illness was no easy
task but with Matt by her side she made it work.
In 1996 the family moved to Framingham, MA to be closer to Nancy’s family and for better
access to MS clinics. Nancy enjoyed watching Rita and James play volleyball for the
Framingham High School Flyers and attending the theater productions Rita was involved in.
She lived a long, full life, surrounded by those who loved her. Lifelong friends and family who
were always there for smiles, laughs and hugs. She touched anyone who came into contact with
her. A running joke was that her favorite place to visit was the Metrowest Medical Center where
she was friends with all her nurses and she loved the food.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years Matthew, and her two children Rita Vining
Mudawar (Mike) and James Vining. The proud Meemaw of Samantha, Hayley and Charlotte
Mudawar. She leaves behind her sister Catherine Crocket, her brother Jeff Crocket,
sisters-in-law Varina Simmons, Amy Whittington (Tom) and Bonnie Vining. Her nieces and
nephews Amanda Janitzky (Nicolai), Jimmy Simmons, James Crocket (Roxanne), Jill Michon
(Warren), and Alexandra Whittington. She also had several great nieces and nephews as well
as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family and close friends. She was
predeceased by her parents Roderick M Crocket and Katherine W Crocket, her in-laws James L
Vining and Mary H Vining.
No services will be held at this time. In lieu of donations, raise a glass, go to a local theater
production or any live music venue in her memory.
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Love you Nancy, my other big sister. Raising a glass to you and your beautiful smile. Love and hugs to Matt, Rita, and James.
Farewell Nancy, my beautiful and bright little sister. You brought your amazing family into my life and taught me the true meaning of presence, love, and perseverance. All of us and the stars of the universe are giving you a standing ovation!
Cheers! May you be dancing and singing in heaven.
Dagny & Harry Griswold
Simsbury, CT
Wishing you the Peace you deserve, you fought the good fight! 💕🙏🏼
Matt and the rest of the family. Please accept my heart felt condolences and a small piece of my heart. I fondly remember the times in Amite where lively discussions and many laughs were had. Matt. My life is better because of her and you. God bless!
I was fortunate to call Nancy “cricket” and my second little sister. A very blessed relationship since she was always considered a member of the Burke family. Her relationship with my sister, Nancy and my mother were profound. My heart is broken for Matt, Rita, James and the rest of her wonderful family. May God bless her and may he take her by the hand and Walk her through the gates of Heaven.
Rest in sacred peace. My prayers for the family.
Always a light…
Loving and devoted to all blessed enough to have known her.
I have many fond memories that include Nancy…
Rest In Peace and hugs and love to Matt, Rita, Jim Rod, Cathy and family and friends.
I will be raising a glass to Nancy this weekend.
Always a light…
Loving and devoted to all blessed enough to have known her.
I have many fond memories that include Nancy…
Rest In Peace and hugs and love to Matt, Rita, Jim Rod, Cathy and family and friends.
I will be raising a glass to Nancy this weekend.
My long-distance admiration, sympathy, love and prayers…
May the love and joy that you gave others be given back to you one thousand fold where you are. Holding you in my heart with the sweet memories of our youth. Be at peace my strong, determined and loving friend.