Nancy Petry

Nancy Petry died peacefully at her home in Cherry Hills Village at the age of 96. Nancy was born in Providence, RI, to Joseph G. Doran and Anna Shea Doran. The proud matriarch of the extended Harrington family, “Mamie” as she was affectionally referred, was deeply loved and admired by many.

Nancy attended the Academy of Sacred Heart Elmhurst, and then graduated from Manhattanville College in Manhattan, NY.  She married her college roommate’s brother, Martin J. Harrington, and moved to Denver in 1947. Martin and Nancy had 4 children: Martin, Nondi, Paul and Tim.

In 1968, Nancy joined the staff of the Institute for International Education (IIE). She became the Director of the Rocky Mountain Regional Office before moving to New York City as IIE’s Director of Public Affairs. Nancy married Nick Petry in December 1978 and moved back to Colorado. They happily resided in Cherry Hills Village, CO, Saratoga, WY, and Indian Wells, CA. Nancy and Nick had a fairy tale marriage until his death in 1999.

Nancy was an ardent community volunteer and served on myriad Boards and non-profit committees, including the National Western Stock Show Association Board of Trustees, Citizen of the West Dinner Committee, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Board of Trustees and Whitney Museum Advisory Board, World Denver Board of Advisors, the Junior League of Denver and Junior League Foundation Board, and the Denver Organizing Committee for the 1976 Olympics. She also supported the Denver Public Library Adult Education Council, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Debutante Ball.

Nancy was awarded many honors in her lifetime, including the Community Service award from the Archbishop’s Guild, the IIE Award, the Joseph Korbel Humanitarian Award from the University of Denver, the Junior League Sustainer and Star Awards, the Marybelle Grant Award from the National Western Stock Show Coors Art Show, and the Stellar Woman Award.

She was a very active member of the Denver Country Club, Eldorado Country Club, Old Baldy Club, Cherry Hills Country Club and Castle Pines Golf Club.
Mamie will be forever remembered for her love of parties and gatherings of all kinds, her appreciation for well-tended gardens, and her affinity for Western art and landscapes. She had marvelous taste and style; she loved to entertain and to set a beautiful table with place cards for every guest.  She was a born connector of people and relished introducing friends to one another.  She had a wonderful way with words, an impeccable memory and loved to regale an audience with stories of days gone by.  Later in life, she also dearly loved her faithful canine companion, Abby.

Nancy had an energetic “larger-than-life” presence and will be deeply missed by her sister Sally Wilson of Bristol, RI, her children Martin Harrington (Julie) Denver, CO, Nondi Harrington, Sheridan, MT, Paul Harrington (Cheryl Chesson) Granby, CO, and Tim Harrington (Melinda), Denver, CO, grandchildren Annie Harrington (Brad Weinig), Thomas Harrington (Lauren), Will Phelps, Hilary Dunsmoor (Zack) and Emma Kane (Eddie), and 4 great grandchildren, Pete and Connor Weinig, Graham Harrington, and McKenna Kane.  She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews George Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Andrew Wilson (Karen), David Wilson and Sarah Wilson.  Nancy is also survived by Nick Petry’s daughters Patty Lufkin and Suzie Woodard, grandchildren, Lindsay Shinall (Zak), Nick Lufkin (Anne), Molly Jourde (John), and Becky Gutrich (Dan), and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family thanks Regina Bueker and Arlene Olea for their kindness, love, and devoted service.

A funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver CO at 10:00 A.M., Monday June 14, 2021, followed by a celebration of her life at the Denver Country Club at 12:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the National Western Stock Show Association, 4655 Humboldt, Denver CO 80216, Little Sisters of the Poor, Mullen Home for the Aged, 3629 W. 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 or an organization of your choice.