Watertown lost not one, but two public servants during recent weeks. While the death of Watertown Literacy Coordinator Allison Donovan made headlines around the region, Watertown also lost Town Treasurer Nancy Heffernan.
“Last week and the last few days have been very emotional with the sad and sudden passing of two remarkable people,” said Town Manager Michael Driscoll.
Town Council President Mark Sideris said Heffernan will be missed by the Town staff, the community and others.
“She was taken from us too quickly,” Sideris said.
In her two years working in Watertown, Heffernan made an impact on her department and others in town, Driscoll said. She had more than 12 years of municipal finance experience with the Town of Reading before coming to Watertown. Her experience helped Heffernan enhance the Treasurer/Collector’s office, and worked on the municipal and capital budgets, but Driscoll said she brought more than just her experience to the job.
“We all agree, what’s more important is that Nancy also brought with her an understated manner and caring personality to this community,” Driscoll said. “Although Nancy was a bit shy, she was very smart and played a
significant role in the progress made by the administration.”
Heffernan also was known for her generous spirit.
“At last Friday’s funeral, we were informed by one of her nephews that Nancy’s favorite expression was, ‘Sure!’ especially when her nieces and nephews asked for something. They could always count on Aunt Nan,” Driscoll said. “Nancy never said no to any of her co-workers in need as well. She would take extra time to find a solution.”
Heffernan made a big impact in a relatively short amount of time, Driscoll said.
“Although Nancy only worked in Watertown for two years, many of us felt like we knew her all of our lives,” Driscoll said. “On a personal note, Nancy was one of my favorite colleagues and a dear friend.”
Heffernan was married to the late Richard “Rick” Heffernan; daughter of late George and Martha (Hamilton) Ray; sister of John “Jody” D. Ray, his wife Allison, Catherine J. Donahue, her husband Charles, all of Woburn, and Barbara Charles, her husband Dennis of New Hampshire; and “Aunt Nan” to her many nieces and nephews.
A funeral was held on Feb. 8. Remembrances may be made in Nancy’s memory to: MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, 781-933-0400.
At the end of its meeting, the Town Council observed a moment of silence for Heffernan and Donovan. Sideris also noted that police had arrested a man suspected of hitting Donovan with his pickup truck.