Nancy Welch, who turns a century old on April 22nd is a Westfield Treasure.
As a young girl living in North Plainfield, Nancy began dancing ballet at five years old. Nancy’s life in Westfield began in 1935 when her parents moved to Highland Avenue with her and her two siblings. While attending Roosevelt Jr. High School, Nancy became part of the inaugural group of the Westfield Community Players. Although classical ballet was always her passion, Nancy ventured into modern dance while performing at Westfield High School.
After graduating in 1941, she went on to dance at Bucknell University for two years before taking classes at Barnard College in NYC. When the New York City Ballet was created in 1948, Nancy was already in her mid twenties so she choose to do all of her professional dancing in NJ. She was very involved in the NJ Ballet Company for over 50 years as a dancer, costume creator, and running wardrobe. Nancy continued to dance until she was 95 years young.
She was married to Eldred Welch, an organic chemist for over 56 years until he passed away in 2003. They had three children – Larry, Bonnie and Pam – and when they were young their family moved back to the town where Nancy grew up. Nancy has 8 wonderful grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Nancy lived on Thomas Court for over 64 years until 2022, when she moved to Brightwood Gardens in Mountainside.
Nancy is pictured above with her daughter Pam at the 60th Anniversary Gala for the NJ Ballet where she was honored.
Growing up in Westfield and spending over 75 years living there, she loves the small town feel and all of the friends that she has made throughout the years.
