Nancy Canter's Obituary
Nancy Canter of Lantana, FL, formerly of Framingham, MA died on February 17, 2014. She was 83. Born Nancy Judith Olian in Brookline, MA on November 15, 1930, Mrs. Canter graduated from Brookline High School in 1948 and earned a B.A. from Boston University in 1952. She received her M.A. in Art History, with a concentration in Spanish medieval art, from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 1953.
In 1955, she married Louis Canter of Waltham, MA and had four children, all born between 1955 and 1962. In 1958, the Canters moved to Framingham, MA where they resided until 1986. During her time in Framingham, Mrs. Canter was deeply involved in the Temple Beth Am community, where she undertook numerous leadership positions, including President of the Sisterhood and First Vice President of the Temple. She also served on the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. Mrs. Canter was well loved and respected for her commitment to the Temple and her organizational skills. She was especially known for her work running the Temple’s Art Show, which constituted both a major fundraiser for the Temple and a wonderful opportunity to expose the local community to fine Boston-area artists. In the late 1970s, Mrs. Canter worked for several years for an art consulting firm in Boston, and eventually used her organizational abilities to manage its inventory and bookkeeping. Later, she worked for numerous years as the bookkeeper for a market research firm in Framingham.
In 1986, the Canters moved to Lantana, Florida. Mrs. Canter continued her commitment to community and volunteerism there through her involvement with the Palm Beach Chapter of Brandeis University’s National Women’s Committee (BNC), which provides arts, literary and educational opportunities for members while raising funds for Brandeis University’s library. Mrs. Canter served in many leadership roles with BNC, including multiple terms as President, Treasurer, Membership Chair and more. She also served on the Regional and National Boards for BNC. She relished attending BNC study groups and cultural events, and participated in several BNC book clubs, as well as the Hypoluxo Island Book Club, which she helped found.
Mrs. Canter’s passion for books inspired her to become a leader in establishing and raising funds for a permanent library for the local community in Lantana. She served as the inaugural Board Chair of the Lantana Library Foundation, a position she held for 10 years. She remained a member of the Board until her death. She was proud of the library she helped establish and was delighted to see community members utilizing it regularly.
Mrs. Canter loved games throughout her life and spent many happy hours playing Mah Johng and bridge. But mostly, she loved and cared for her husband, children, grandchildren, and long-time dear friends and relatives from New England and Florida.
Mrs. Canter is survived by her husband Louis Canter of Lantana; her children Rebecca Ryan (Jon Ryan) of Westboro, MA, Edie Canter (Fred Wellisch) of Chicago, IL, Marcia Canter (Tom Melchionne) of Westboro, MA, and Andrew Canter of Cape Town, South Africa; and her grandchildren, Daniel, Rachel and Leah Ryan and Julia Wellisch.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL.
If you wish to honor Mrs. Canter’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Lantana Library Foundation, 205 W. Ocean Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462, or Brandeis University Library, c/o Dr. C. Warshaw, 3589 S. Ocean Blvd, #612, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
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