Nancy Hackett

Nancy A. Hackett (Gallagher) passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, 2024, in Methuen at the age of 77. Born on March 7, 1947, raised in Cochituate and Hopkinton, she was a testament to the strength that defines a life well lived around family.

Nancy’s early years were spent in Cochituate, later moving to Hopkinton, where she formed lifelong friendships and memories. She graduated from Hopkinton High School. Nancy’s path in life was shaped by love, learning and a dedication to family, which was evident in every choice she made.

In the mid 1960s, Nancy married David Gorman, and together they built a life while David was serving in the United States Navy. They were assigned to various naval bases on the East Coast, the last being South Weymouth Navy Air Station. Nancy was a devoted mother to her daughters, Kelly and Carrie. In 1988, David passed away. Nancy returned to the workforce as a member of the Babson College Telecommunications Department (Babtelco). This is where she met Jay Hackett, who was working in the Babson Department of Public Safety. In 1994, she married Jay, who took on the role of the loving father. She cherished her role as a grandmother, sharing her warmth and wisdom with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jay, of Milton, her daughters, Kelly Masciarelli and husband Lou of Bellingham, and Carrie Gorman of Concord, New Hampshire, and was “Gramma” to USMC Cpl. David Masciarelli of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Alannah Masciarelli of Bellingham, who will forever hold her in their hearts.

She also is survived by her siblings, Dorothy and husband Michael Greeley, Joseph and wife Linda Gallagher, Ruth Rich and Helen Gallagher. She was predeceased by sister Maryann Gallagher and brother John Gallagher Jr. Her extended family includes many loving nieces and nephews who were touched by her wisdom and love.

Her interests reflected her love for the beauty of nature and the depth of her familial bonds. Nancy found great joy in spending time at her condo in Intervale, New Hampshire, overlooking Cathedral Ledge and the Mount Washington Valley. Having coffee at Jackson Falls was always a special treat. Doing a puzzle by the fireplace was a winter tradition.  Above all, Nancy loved her children and grandchildren with a passion that infused every aspect of her life.

Described by those who knew her as a force to be reckoned with, she was never shy to express her opinion.

Nancy’s life was a tapestry of relationships and experiences, each thread woven with care and intention, much like the quilts that were given to her by her daughter Carrie. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and guide those closest to her. Her laughter, her wisdom and her spirit will be deeply missed.

As Nancy’s family and friends bid her farewell, they take solace in knowing that her journey was one of profound love. She will be remembered not only for the life she led but also for the lives she touched. Nancy Hackett’s memory will be cherished, her influence lasting, and her spirit forever a beacon of love and kindness.

We would like to thank the first responder community that helped Nancy: NH 911, New Hampshire State Police, Salem Police, Salem Fire & Rescue and ER staff at Holy Family Hospital.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date in New Hampshire.

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.