In Memoriam: Nancy Aldous

Ann "Nancy" Aldous, a long-term and dedicated Reach volunteer, passed away at the age of 88 on April 12. She was an important part of the Reach volunteer staff until the pandemic changed the way volunteers could interact with Reach.

However, Nancy was more than just a wonderful Reach volunteer. She helped make significant changes to the way things were done in Montgomery County. In recognition of her advocacy and work, Nancy received the Neil Potter Path of Achievement award in 2021, and was listed in the 34th Annual Governor’s Service Awards Special Recognition list. Nancy also received Volunteer of the Year awards for her work with Reach. She was incredibly humble, so we had to tell her she was needed as a volunteer at the Volunteer Reception in order to get her in the room to accept the award.

Soon after moving to Montgomery County in 1969, Nancy began her lifelong work of making our community a better place for everyone to live. She was a lifelong reader and was especially impactful in advocating for Montgomery County libraries including the building of the Damascus branch. Similarly, Nancy advocated for laws against drunk driving, helped start a temporary housing location for residents who were unhoused, and championed environmental issues.

At Reach, Nancy was a helping hand in all aspects of events such as the Annual Gala, Holiday Giving, and MKHC fundraisers. She served our clients directly as a teacher’s assistant in beginning level LOP classes. "Students felt so comfortable and happy when Nancy helped them," remembers LOP Director Cecilia Rojas. "Her patience and encouragement made a significant impact on the students' journey. We will miss her and remember her for her big heart."

Nancy with her LOP class in 2018

Although the past few years brought health challenges that kept Nancy from volunteering in person, she continued to call and check in on us, donate funds, and was always a cheerful voice full of energy on the other end of the telephone line. We will strongly feel her absence.