Nancy Spear

Nancy passed away at her Los Lunas home July 26, 2025, in the care of her husband, Winfield Spear. They celebrated 41 years of marriage on May 5th. On June 6th, they celebrated Winfield’s birthday and on July 6th, they celebrated her birthday, as they both turned 89.

Nancy was born July 6, 1936, in Providence, RI, to Walter and Helen Haven.

Nancy was a member of the Albuquerque Sweet Adelines for many years and sang tenor. She traveled with the Sweet Adelines throughout New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Arizona and several other states, performing at private and public events, as well as on television.

She worked at Sandia National Laboratories starting in the stenographer pool and quickly moved up to a secretarial position supporting engineers. Shorthand and speed typing were her expertise. Upon retirement she was presented an award by Lab leaders for “Exceptional Service in the National Interest, 1981-1997.”

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Walter Haven and mother, Helen Haven. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother, Marjorie P. Haven; and her sister, Lois Bennett and husband, Frank Bennett.

She is survived by her husband, Winfield; half-sister, Lida Black of Massachusetts; half-brother, Richard Haven and his wife, Ruth of Florida; son, Peter D. Rail and his wife, Amy of Plano, Texas; grandson, Dr. Benjamin Rail and his wife, Racheal of Baltimore; nephew, David Bennett and his wife, Wendy of Florida; niece, Susan Cepek and her husband, Thom of Ohio; niece, Nancy Morstadt and her husband, Eric of Florida; and many grandnieces and nephews. She was a wife, mother, and grandmother and gave her love to all her family.

In the length and breadth of her life, Nancy made many great friends. She will be remembered for her love of life, her beautiful smile, and her gracious manners. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her. She considered herself very fortunate to have lived on Wittwer Court in Los Lunas. She especially enjoyed the neighborhood Christmas celebrations. She would always wish her friends happy trails and Vaya con Dios.

Cremation has taken place and no interment is planned at this time.

Those who would like to remember Nancy may make donations to: Albuquerque Sweet Adelines, Inc.; Animal Humane of New Mexico, the World Wildlife Fund; National Wildlife Federation; Defenders of Wildlife; or the National Audubon Society.