Nancy Fish Zorn, 74, of Barre Town, Vermont, passed away on February 17, 2026, from complications of a stroke. Throughout her illness, Nancy's resilience, determination, courage, and deep gratitude never wavered-qualities that defined her throughout her life.

Nancy attended St. Johnsbury Elementary School and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1971. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Lyndon State College and a master's degree in counseling from Saint Michael's College in 1977.

In 1980, Nancy began a 20-year career with the American Cancer Society, where she led statewide patient services and public and professional education initiatives. She strengthened volunteer programs, launched new patient-support services, and founded Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a summer camp for children with cancer. As with all her projects, after finding volunteers to implement them Nancy remained a silent partner, enjoying what others were accomplishing without seeking her own recognition. She also played a key role in creating Hope Lodge Burlington, providing free temporary housing for adult cancer patients and their caregivers. Nancy helped establish some of the first testicular cancer support groups in the United States, advocated for insurance coverage of mammograms, supported smoking-cessation and youth education programs, and worked with legislators to increase taxes on tobacco products. She served in several leadership roles, including Field Services Director and Deputy Executive Vice President, and later administered three national programs following the merger of the six New England states.

In 2000, Nancy became Executive Director of Green Mountain United Way, where she championed numerous social-service programs through advocacy, leadership, and funding. Upon her retirement in 2015, she was honored with a Concurrent House Resolution by the Vermont House of Representatives. She served on many boards and committees, including the Northfield Savings Bank Foundation Board, and continued her service as president of the boards of Central Vermont Council on Aging and Vermont Jumpstart Coalition, as well as on the Finance Committee for the Vermont Conference United Church of Christ.

Nancy loved exploring Vermont as a member of the 251 Club of Vermont and served on the Vermont State University Vail Manor Society Committee. She found joy helping her son with filming and editing videos and cherished her many hobbies. She was very much an integral part of all her husband's activities. Nancy was behind the scenes helping make things go smoothly at his public concerts, church activities, art exhibitions and home and garden projects. Nancy loved caring for animals, especially her chickens, once tending to 22 at a time, washing their feet, nursing them when they were sick, and delighting in their company. She shared that same love with many cats, dogs, and even a childhood pet duck.

Nancy took great pride in the homes and gardens she and her husband nurtured together. Her most recent home, which she worked hard to return to in the final months of her life, will remain a place of warmth and memories for family and friends. She loved the outdoors, climbing all the mountains in New Hampshire's Presidential Range and many in Vermont, and traveling across the country-often camping in national parks. Later travels included cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, and most recently trips to England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Arthur Zorn; her son, Zach Zorn; her sister, Martha Taub of California; and her brothers, David Fish of Washington and Jim Fish of Vermont.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at a later date.

Nancy was community minded to her core; her long, dedicated membership in the Granite Center Garden Club will always be remembered. Barre is better for her custodianship of municipal gardens with her fellow club members who have been indelibly enriched by her good humor, and hard work.

Nancy requested donations in her memory to be made out to GCGC and sent to: Esther Cowles, 9 Birchwood E Drive, Barre, VT 05641.