After nearly half a century providing nursing care for older Provincetown residents, Nancy Tarvers died at home on April 13, 2023 with her son, Michael, by her side. She was 89.
The daughter of Hal and Grace Lee, Nancy was born on Nov. 11, 1933 in Norfolk, Va., where she grew up with three sisters. She graduated with a nursing degree from Georgetown University in 1955.
She met Bruce Tarvers on a trip to Florida; they married and settled in his hometown, Provincetown, where they raised five children.
Nancy began her nursing career here at Cape End Manor soon after she settled in town. Forty-nine years later, at age 76, she retired from Seashore Point.
Over the years, she cared for the elders of Provincetown and mentored many young nurses. Even after retirement, she helped seniors as “a do-it-all helper,” as the Provincetown Banner put it in an article when she was named Senior of the Year in Truro in 2013. Quietly and modestly, she improved the lives of scores of people.
That impact was made evident to the family by the “outpouring of love” they have received upon the news of her death. “She touched so many people,” her son said, “and she never, ever wanted anything in return.”
She is survived by daughters Karen Smith of Northborough, Pamela Nichols of Shirley, and Christina Tarvers of Provincetown and son Michael Tarvers of North Truro, and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Bruce, and daughter Tracy.
Services will be private.
