Nancy E. Harper, 32, passed away at Cooley Dickenson Hospital, Northampton, MA on February 27, 2025 after a rapid and unexpected medical illness. She is survived by her fiancé, Jeremy Peffer; her service dog, Wolf; and her chosen family, Tom & Kam Oborne, and chosen siblings Tyber Oborne, Taz Oborne, Tevin Oborne, and Celia Bales. There will be a celebration of life  -- time and date to be determined.

   Nancy was born in Lowell Massachusetts. Her family of origin were refugees from Cambodia fleeing the Khmer Rouge. At a young age she was placed in a foster home and later adopted by the Harper family from Sterling Massachusetts.

   As a teenager and young adult Nancy  was a tom-boy and loved energetic, daredevil activities such as snowboarding.  However, she also struggled with the consequences of many painful life events out of her control, that challenged her mental health, and led her to struggle with addiction in the past. But, that was not where she would stay. She was so very proud of her complete success at stepping away from substance abuse and often encouraged others in that situation to "Put on your big boy pants, and just do it!"

   Nancy was an amazing young woman who had love for everyone and never gave up on the things she believed in. She strongly championed the need for more effective mental health awareness and treatment for those like herself, who were working to overcome the effects of tragic life experiences. She never judged people and cared deeply for those in life who were marginalized.

   Gardening, music, animals, "Drew" clothing and her family were some of Nancy's passions. Her garden was her enchanted world, and every year she perfected it more -- often so she would have more opportunities to share with others. She was known for her amazing fruits and vegetables, and anyone visiting had no choice, but to take some home with them. As a drummer, guitarist and vocalist, Nancy composed music to express her deepest struggles and delights. Once, when asked to describe a perfect day, she replied: "Working in my garden for hours, listening to music on my headphones, then laying on the bed snuggling with Jer and all the animals (1 dog, 2 cats) while we watch movies. Nothing is better than having a home and people around who love you."

  If Nancy were writing this right now, she might share some of her life rules:

Listen to each other. 

Don't judge a life you don't understand. 

Show respect. 

Don't let people walk all over you. 

When you fall down, get up and try again.

Be willing to have tough conversations. 

Play hard. 

Love people. 

Talk to God.

   Nance always had a great impact on everyone’s life she entered and was always thinking about how she could make everyone around her happier. She will always be greatly missed by all that knew her and all that were close to her. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/nancy-e-harper/obituary/

Copy