SACO — Nancy A. Collard, 60, of Saco, died Monday, May 5, 2014, after complications from cancer.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 5, 1953.

Nancy attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1972 and went on to attend the University of Southern of Maine, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Nancy graduated in 1976 with a degree in elementary education.

She went on to teach at Lyman Elementary School for 25 years, where she taught both fourth and second grades. She was known for her untiring work at meeting the needs of all of her students, many who would remember her fondly years later.

Nancy retired from teaching in 2006, but would continue spending time in the classroom as a dedicated weekly volunteer. After retiring, Nancy also became active with the York County Retired Educators Association. She was an avid reader, Red Sox fan, and loved spending her summers taking day trips and going to the beach. She had a very generous nature, always putting others before herself.

She was preceded in death by: her sister, Paula Berry; father, Paul Berry; and stepfather, Raymond Chick.

Survivors include: her husband of 36 years, Michael of Saco; daughter, Courtney and husband Jeremy of Arlington, Va.; her mother, Marge Chick of Portland; and sister, Linda Kimball and husband Larry of Portland.

She is also survived by many loving close friends.

Visiting hours will be 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 9, 2014 followed by a celebration of life service at noon at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, ME 04005. Inurnment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the York County Retired Educators Scholarship Fund and sent to 48 Clark Road, Alfred, ME 04002, Attn: Carol Mitchell, Treasurer. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.