Obituary of Nancy B. Shipman
Nancy Bantle Shipman, 87, of Glastonbury, beloved wife of 66 years to the late Robert (Bob) Shipman died on April 23, 2024 at her home. She was born on January 18, 1937 to the late Ernest and Bernice Bantle at Mrs. Keene’s Restatorium on Tryon Street, South Glastonbury. High school sweethearts, both Nancy and Bob graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1954 and the University of Connecticut in 1958, where Nancy graduated with a degree in home economics.
Nancy grew up on her father’s tobacco farm on Griswold Street, and never lost her love for horticulture, gardening, and the outdoors. She loved learning and exploring new places, and always brought the inquisitive spirit of the journalist she once hoped to become to all that she did throughout her life.
A dedicated wife and mother, Nancy fostered her children’s education and shared her love of learning and of teaching with them. Outside the home, Nancy taught nursery school, supported Bob’s landscaping business, and was active in numerous community and civic organizations including Naubuc School PTO, CT Horticulture Society, the Country Gardeners, Child and Family Services, Friends of Elizabeth Park, and the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury. Upon retirement she, Bob and several close friends started Glastonbury Partners in Planting where their love of horticulture helped beautify their beloved Glastonbury.
Nancy loved to travel, often with family, and visited China, Germany, Ireland, Costa Rica, Canada and much of the United States. An avid bird watcher and shell collector, she cherished her annual trips to Sanibel Island with Bob and family, and leaves behind a home filled with birds, shells, and many beautiful plantings. She will always be remembered as a warm and caring friend, parent, and most of all partner of Bob in so many endeavors throughout Glastonbury. She loved to play games and even in her final weeks was able to best her many visitors in a good game of Scrabble.
Nancy is survived by her children Doug Shipman of Wethersfield, Katie Shipman and Stephen Shipman of Glastonbury, as well as grandchildren Jessica, Peyton, Kilty, Maisie, Perry, Sunil and Naveen, and great-grandchildren Emma and Owen.
A private burial was held at St James Cemetery, Glastonbury. A celebration of life for Nancy and Bob will occur later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glastonbury Partners in Planting, the Historical Society of South Glastonbury, or the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.