1943 – 2015

LEWISTON — Nancy Virginia Hartman Ridley, 71, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Central Maine Medical Center, after a brief illness.

She was born on Sept. 20, 1943, a daughter of Evan and Thais (Cates) Hartman.

Nancy was an avid NASCAR fan and conversed about it until the very end. She enjoyed football games and cheering for the New England Patriots. She was extremely handy and able to fix and maintain most anything — from changing the oil in her car to fixing a broken cupboard drawer.

She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were of school age. She then worked in multiple local businesses and shoe shops in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The past 14 years, until her retirement as a phone center associate in early 2014, she worked at Home Depot in Auburn. Nancy was one of the original crew for the opening of the store in November 1999. In her letter of resignation, she stated that the employees were her second family. She loved helping customers and received numerous recognitions from them. Many commented that she was one of the most helpful people in the store. At one point in her career, she was offered a promotion but turned it down because it would have taken her away from meshing with all the departments; she felt it would limit her ability to help those in need. Nancy was loved and respected by staff and customers, and was committed to helping people.

She was a devoted wife, loving and caring mother and was best known for her unconditional love for her family. A registered nurse caring for her at the hospital shared with the family, “She was a courageous and strong woman.” He stated that when most people get to the end of their life’s journey, they get a little selfish and want their family near. When Nancy arrived at the hospital that evening, she was told she may not have long to live. When asked by the staff who she wanted to be contacted, she replied, “Let them sleep, I will hold on until the morning.” And she did! That is truly the woman she was. She always put her family’s needs ahead of her own.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Arnold Ridley Sr.; son, Arnold Ridley Jr. and wife, Louise, of Manchester; daughter, Amy Lévesque and husband, Paul, of Sabattus; daughter, Tammy Voisine, of Sabattus; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Collins, of Georgia; and a sister, Sharon Holt.

She was predeceased by her parents; stepfather, William Agustas Collins; brothers, Emmett Nay, Robert Nay and Thomas Collins; and sisters, Joan Sliva and Patricia Nay.