Nancy M. (Bernard) Arbo

Nancy Mary Theresa Bernadette Bernard Arbo, “The Hug Lady,” of Lancaster, MA, passed away surrounded by love on November 30, 2025. Born and raised in Leominster, she later made her home in Lancaster for many years before spending her final years in Acton, where she continued to share her warmth, humor, and unforgettable hugs with everyone she met. Known affectionately by many as “The Hug Lady,” Nancy had a gift for making people feel seen and cherished. Her hugs were warm, strong, and comforting enough to melt away pain and fill even the hardest days with love. To her family and to the staff and friends in the communities she called home, she was simply “Grammy,” a constant source of humor, comfort, and unwavering kindness.

Nancy’s sense of humor was one of her greatest trademarks. It was quick, gentle, and often unexpected. She had a way of lightening a room with a perfectly timed comment or a playful smile, reminding all who knew her not to take life too seriously. Even in difficult moments, she found a way to bring laughter, offering comfort and connection through her softness, wit, and joyful spirit.

Nancy was born on July 22, 1939, in Leominster, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Lionel and Rose (Berry) Bernard. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1957 and held many jobs throughout her life, always bringing her kindness, humor, and strong work ethic wherever she went. In her early years, she worked at an ice cream shop, McDonald’s, helped paint beaks on rubber ducks, served as a teaching assistant, and spent time in real estate, along with many other positions. Nancy had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, and although life led her down different professional paths, she poured that same caring spirit into every role she held. She eventually retired from a long career at MetLife in the insurance business. Alongside her husband Bud, she also helped organize regular community car shows. The events brought people together and reflected her quiet, joyful, community-centered nature.

Nancy was married on June 30, 1957, to the late Wesley H. “Bud” Arbo. She devoted her life to her family, who will forever be grateful for her love, her steadiness, her humor, and the quiet, gentle strength she shared so freely. She taught by example, through kindness, generosity, and the way she listened with her whole heart.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Patricia J. Sousa and her husband Chris, and Susan M. Lyssy and her husband Travis; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christal Dionne and her husband Craig, and their children Carter and Langston; Tiffiny Whynot and her husband Chris, and their children Bayley and Kieley; John Arbo-Earle; Courtney Earle and her daughters Isabella, Julia, and Evelyn; Austin Lasonde; Heather Lasonde and her son Jayson; Dominik Lyssy; Christopher Bavota and his wife Lily, and their son Finn; Justin Sousa and his child; Olivia Sousa and her daughters Isabella and Abigail; Jessica Pressley, her husband Will, and their daughters Destiny and Patience.

She is also survived by her brothers James Bernard and his wife Tina, John Bernard and his wife Fatima, and Peter Bernard and his wife Lynne, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy is predeceased by her daughter Deborah Arbo-Winters and her two infant sisters, Jeanne and Paula, and her brother Lionel Bernard Jr. Nancy lived a life centered on love: giving it freely, receiving it openly, and leaving everyone better than she found them. Her loss is immeasurable, but so is the love and laughter she leaves behind.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at St. Leo Church at 10:00 AM (please go directly to church), with a burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. 

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