Nancy Elizabeth (Materne) Tripp, 82, of Barrington, Rhode Island and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on July 28, 2026 following a recent diagnosis of advanced cancer. With courage and grace, she chose to forgo treatment and instead embrace each remaining day to the fullest, surrounded by the people and places she loved the most.

Nancy was born on July 28, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Edward and Beatrice Materne.  She was raised in Barrington, where she lived the majority of her life alongside her brothers, Douglas Materne (Carolyn) and Robert Materne (Nancy).  She graduated from Barrington High School with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at Vermont College, where she earned her Associate B.A. in 1964. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Curry College in 1968.

Nancy taught elementary school in the Barrington Public School system. She loved teaching and treasured the relationships with her students. She stepped away from the classroom to raise her family after her son was born.

For 44 wonderful years, Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Fred R. Tripp.  Together they built a life centered on family, love, and unwavering support.  She was the devoted mother of Peter E. Tripp (Missy) of Chatham, New Jersey and Sara E. Boye (Gregory) of Devon, Pennsylvania.  She enriched their lives through constant encouragement, volunteerism, and presence.  Whether serving in their schools, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting Fred throughout his professional career, Nancy’s greatest joy was caring for those she loved. 

She travelled throughout the world, but her favorite places were those close to home.  She looked forward to time in Cutty Hunk, Vero Beach, on the family farm in Rehoboth, and especially on the Barrington River.

Her faith was extremely important to her, and she was a long-time parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Barrington.  She was a member and former directress of the Altar Guild and former member of the Vestry.

Nancy had many artistic pursuits that included basket weaving, tole painting, gardening, tending to the family farm, and embossing stationary.  These allowed her to show her creative talents, but more importantly to connect with friends.  She was a member of the Barrington Yacht Club, Rhode Island Country Club, the University Club, the Junior League of Rhode Island, the Handicraft Club in Providence, and the Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD).

While there were many things she loved to do, her greatest love was her grandchildren. “Grammy”, as she was affectionately known, leaves behind Matthew (21), Alex (20), Julia (18), Evan (16) and Owen (14).  Spending time on the water with her grandkids in Barrington and in Vero Beach were some of her fondest memories. She shared her love of nature and craft with them and through it they gained an appreciation of some of life’s simplest pleasures.

Over the last seven years, her life was enriched by her partner, David Goodwin. David supported and participated in the things Nancy loved to do the most but through her partnership with David, Nancy gained interest in new pastimes.  They played cards, went to the theatre, cooked together and travelled to Europe where Nancy gained a new appreciation for Paris and Northern Italy.

The family is grateful for the love and support of family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.  

A Funeral Service will be held Friday August 7, 2206 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Episcopal Church 191 County Road Barrington, RI 02806.. Burial will be private.