Nancy Marsh Gault — a longtime Westport resident, who helped carry out her family’s long tradition of civic involvement and philanthropy — died peacefully on May 29, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 90 years old.
A native of Easton, she grew up immersed in her family’s business. Marsh Dairy was a local Easton institution that reflected the strong work ethic and close-knit values that shaped her life.
After graduating from Endicott College with a degree in retail and merchandising, she married Bill Gault in 1958. He was part of the 4th generation of Westport’s Gault Energy and Stone businesses. The couple built a life defined by partnership, resilience and devotion.
Nancy played a vital role in supporting her husband and the family business, particularly during long New England winters.
Nancy Gault
The Gaults resided in Westport for nearly 70 years, raising their family and becoming deeply rooted in the community.
Nancy had many passions. and was deeply engaged in area organizations. She was an active member of the Westport Young Woman’s League, president of the Bedford Junior High PTA, and held leadership roles in both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
She was an avid volunteer at the Norwalk Hospital Treasure House Thrift Shop for several decades. Her love for gardening blossomed into long membership in the Westport Garden Club, including the presidency from1991-93. Her beautiful gardens and greenhouse at her home on South Compo Road were widely admired.
Nancy and Bill were world travelers. They visited the Arctic , Antarctica, and countless places in between, meeting many wonderful friends along the way.
Nancy was happiest surrounded by her family, especially during the holidays, when she created lasting traditions filled with warmth, joy and togetherness. She is remembered for her love of cooking and baking, recipes that have been carried on by the next generations.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband Bill. She is survived by her daughter Ginger Donaher, husband Jim, and their children Megan Donaher Ventrella (Chris), Meredith Donaher White (Travis) and Brendan Donaher (Danielle); son Sam Gault (Nancy), grandchildren Jillian and Ben, and great-grandchildren Sadie, Grace, Margo and Tucker.
A family burial service is set for Willowbrook Cemetery, followed by a private reception in her honor on a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Westport Garden Club, to help carry out the mission of beautifying Westport and promoting conservation and environmental education.
My condolences to the Gault family. My sister was friends with Ginger during their Saugatuck Elementary days. Nancy Gault was a kind person from what I remember of the times I met her.
Deepest Condolences to the family
Maria & Pasquale Funicello
Nancy and Bill, pillars of the Westport community. My condolences to Ginger and Sam, who are following in their footsteps.
Sincere condolences to the Gault family.
Sorry to see this. My condolences to Ginger Sam and all the family.
An absolutely lovely soul. Matriarch to an incredible Westport family. What would many of us do without the Gault’s.
My condolences to the Gault family. A truly special lady. I had the pleasure of knowing both Nancy and Bill for my whole life. Westport has lost two wonderful people.
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