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LETTER FROM SAM KENNEDY
I won the grandmother lottery with Nancy. When I was too young to remember, I named her Laa Laa because she was so musical, always singing to me and her other grandkids (Ben, Blair, and Amos). During long Maine winters, we used to spend hours in her bed watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music while Laa Laa served us orange slices and frozen pizza. She was the real life Truly Scrumptious, Mary Poppins, and Maria von Trapp all rolled into one tenderhearted, thoughtful, irreverent, amazing person. A lifelong teacher, Kieve’s playwright, and organist, Nancy was everyone’s summertime grandma. I was immensely proud to share her with thousands of other campers and counselors.
Nancy and Dick were recently married and still in their 20s when they came to Damariscotta Lake to run Camp Kieve in 1959. They then spent every subsequent summer here for the rest of their lives. Together, they led by example, pouring themselves into this place first so it could survive, then thrive. They set the tone. They comforted homesick campers. They hosted dinner parties eight days a week. In 1969, campers crowded into the Red Farmhouse and huddled around the TV to watch the moon landing. At the end of Nancy’s life, she was an avid emailer, penpalling and Zooming with friends and family daily. They presided over generations of learning, growth, change, and progress.
Together, my grandparents gave Kieve away so it could grow stronger as a nonprofit. Later they established the Leadership Decisions Institute so Maine students could benefit from the resources and philosophies of this special organization. Nancy was overjoyed when Kieve merged with Wavus so girls could enjoy the same transformational camp experience the boys had revelled in for so long.
To me, losing Nancy marks the end of an era. Of course I’m sad to miss her. And I’m filled with gratitude for all the wonderful time I got to spend with Laa Laa. She stands for everything Kieve Wavus Education aspires to be. With her innate kindness and respect, Laa Laa led with boundless love and hope. She was whimsical, warm, welcoming, and funny; forever patient, selfless, and steadfast. She spent more than 65 years at Kieve and never missed a Sunday chapel. Laa Laa leaves a legacy of tenderness and care for those who need it most.
Gratefully,
Sam Kennedy
President & Chief Executive Officer