Nancy Ann (McKnight) Barnum, 86, of Lanesborough and North Egremont, passed on to glory on August 28, 2026, in the home that she grew up in, with the late afternoon sun streaming in, surrounded by those who loved her.  Known to most as Big Gram or simply Gram, Nancy went to meet her folks who had gone on before – her husband Clarence "Pickle" Barnum, her parents John and Ruth McKnight, her brother Frederick (Rick) McKnight, sister Judith Newton, her grandsons David and James LaPlante, along with too many other relatives and friends to name, and of course her many beloved horses, dogs, cats and variety of animals from throughout the years.

Hard work was part of her life from an early age, starting young on the McKnight Family Farm in Lanesborough and at the fruit market on Tyler Street in Pittsfield, graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1957 and later employed at General Electric. She found her career at Becton-Dickinson in Canaan, CT, where she worked for over 40 years, many as a Quality Control supervisor. Even in her "retirement" she didn't quit. Nancy went to work for her daughter Becky, at R.W.'s Inc., and B-Safe Storage in Lee where she helped in the office for more than 14 years (always late but making sure she made up for it with those late nights!), until her illness in June of this year.   In her free time, Nancy could often be found tending gardens, caring for the land, or lending a hand wherever one was needed.

Nancy married Clarence Barnum, better known as Pickle, on January 14, 1961.  They lived in South Egremont and Great Barrington, eventually settling down on their little farm on Boice Road in North Egremont.  Pickle passed away on January 1, 1991, just two weeks shy of their 30th anniversary. When her own children were raised, Nancy took on the task of helping to raise the next generation.

As much as she loved her family, it was no secret that Gram preferred animals to people. Nancy was happiest when surrounded by animals. She acquired her first horse, Biffy, as a young girl, beginning a lifelong love of horses and all living creatures. Although she loved every kind of animal, cats held a particularly special place in her heart.  Nancy gave her love and care to many, many animals over the years as well – often because she simply would not let an animal go without a good home. In her twenties it was a pet raccoon named Ringo, as a young grandmother it was a 500-pound pig named Cleremont, in the house!

Although Nancy was not especially fond of cooking, her homemade turkey soup and split pea soup were treasured by everyone fortunate enough to share them. Those meals, like so much of what she gave, were simple expressions of love and care and will be cherished memories.

Nancy had no interest in acquiring material possessions, only in giving away as much as she could. Her generosity was boundless -- sometimes, her family would say, almost to a fault. Fiercely independent and remarkably strong, she was also deeply empathetic and felt the joys and sorrows of others profoundly. Nancy was always there for anyone who needed help. She gave her time, energy, and care freely, even to people others might not have believed deserved it. Nancy did not measure whether someone had earned her kindness. She simply saw a person in need and helped.

Nancy's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was at the center of her life. In nearly every conversation, she reminded those she loved that Jesus loved them, too. Fervent in prayer, she wanted everyone to know Jesus's love and to be saved. Her faith was not only something she spoke about; it was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and grace with which she lived. A handwritten reminder hangs under the kitchen mirror: "You don't have to like everyone, but you do have to LOVE everyone as Christ loves us." Gram was an example of true humility, relentless forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Everyone who met Nancy remembered her, and everyone who knew her loved her. Our beloved Big Gram never boasted of herself, but she was so incredibly proud of all of her grandchildren. Her strength, faith, independence, and enormous heart will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

Nancy is survived by her children, Kim Brookman Aylesworth (Chris) of Hinsdale, Lee Barnum (PJ) of Great Barrington, and Becky Barnum Brunell (Bill) of Lee; her daughter-in-law Robin Lowry Cathline of Ashley Falls, and her stepson Mark Barnum (Claudia) of Salisbury, CT; her grandchildren Tabitha Barnum, Angie LaPlante Burgess (Benjamin), Craig Barnum, K.C. Brunell Vorce (Brian), Kelsey Brunell Tyer (James), Robert Jacob Brunell (Tiereny), and Cole Barnum; 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She will be deeply and forever missed.

A Funeral Service for Nancy Barnum will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 1 PM at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee.  Her family will greet friends and relatives on Saturday from 11 AM until the time of the funeral.  Cremation will follow.  Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the Berkshire Humane Society in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home  3 Main Street   Lee, MA  01238.

Berkshire Humane Society
C/O Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee MA 01238