Nancy White Jencks ’41

jencksNancy White Jencks, 94, of Barrington, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at Silver Creek Manor, Bristol, after a long illness. Born in Providence, March 3, 1922, she was a life-long Rhode Islander.
After graduating from Smith College, Nancy started a family and worked in the family foundry business as a draftsperson. She drew numerous pictures a day for many years, including the Veteran’s cemetery flag holders for Korean War vets. Having exceptional financial acumen and foresight, Nancy and her good friend, Rita Beaver, were inspired to start the Barrington Citizens’ Scholarship Fund in 1959. It is now known as the Community Scholarship Fund of Barrington. Finding herself a single parent in the mid 1960s, Nancy became one of the first women stockbrokers in Rhode Island. She was an active member of the Barrington District Nurse Association and a member of the Barrington Congregational Church, where she also served on the finance committee. Nancy was an avid and talented sailor. She competed in the “Tuesday Night ‘Tired Fathers’ Series,” at Barrington Yacht Club, and won often.  Another of her great pleasures was the cabin in the woods of Maine that her teenage sons built in the early 70’s.
Nancy was predeceased by her son, Ross Jencks. She is survived by her children, Randy Jencks (Nancy) of Bristol, Peter (Mary Ann) of Newport, Andrew of Barrington, fifth “son,” John Palmer of Marblehead, MA, grandchildren, Rosey Jencks of Albany, CA, Marey Jencks of New York, NY, Peter Leopold of Oakland, CA, Molly Jencks of Newport, Ben Jencks of New Orleans, LA, and great grandchildren, Miyah and Isaiah, and Sally and Walt. The five other teenagers who lived under her wing in her house will also miss her. For a very good reason, Nancy was affectionately known by many as, “Ma Jencks.”
Nancy’s family offers special thanks to the staff at Silver Creek Manor for their many years of care.

One thought on “Nancy White Jencks ’41”

  1. What a wonderful and talented woman. This seems to run deep within your family, Rosey, Marey and Peter. I’m so sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.

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