Nancy Louise Charland

Lifelong Greenport resident Nancy Louise Charland died May 23 from natural causes. She was 57. 

She was born in Greenport July 26, 1959, to Margaret and Gabriel Grilli. Ms. Charland received her general educational diploma from Greenport High School and went on to receive her home health aide and certified nursing assistant certifications after attending some college. 

Ms. Charland’s healthcare career ended abruptly in 2011, while employed by Comfort Keepers of Jacksonville, Fla. because of illness. She began working and volunteering again in 2013. 

Ms. Charland served her local community by working for the Village of Greenport in 2009 as the head coordinator of the Kindergarten through 1st grade after-school program at the Greenport Recreation Center. In 2010, she was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” Community Action of Southold Town, which she began volunteering for in 1987. 

Family members said Ms. Charland’s lifelong work was care giving and volunteering. working in hospice care for those who were terminally ill, and helping the homeless however she could. 

Ms. Charland was a current member of New Testament Missionary Outreach in Twin City, Ga. Family members said she was a devout born-again Christian, who served, motivated and inspired others, and was a “natural encourager” to all.

Ms. Charland is survived by her two daughters, Christa Lee Moore of Charleston, S.C. and Naomi Sierra-Jackson of Jacksonville Fla.; her stepfather,Gabriel Grilli of Greenport five grandchildren; her four sisters, Ruth Yoskovich of Greenport, Beth Alexander of Riverhead Kathy Diamond of Orlando, Fla.; Lisa Charland of Arcadia, Fla.; her brother, Jack Grilli; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her mother; brothers, Robbie, Digger, and David and her son, Joshua Sierra Charland.

Visitation and services were held June 4 at  Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, Greenport, NY. Interment will be held at Sterling Cemetery.

A GoFundMe account has been established in her memory to benefit her grandchildren. Donations can be made at www.gofundme/nancycharland.com.