Nancy Elizabeth Smith's Obituary
Nancy Elizabeth Smith, 92, of New Hill, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Nancy's warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her.
Nancy was born in Peoria, Illinois, to James and Alice Coogan. Alongside her older brother, Jim, she enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by a large extended family whose gatherings became some of her fondest memories. She graduated cum laude from Bradley University, where she was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority.
After college, Nancy taught high school English and physical education before marrying and raising a family. She instilled in her children a love of learning, the value of education, and an appreciation for new experiences.
Following retirement, Nancy and her husband, Bob, traded the winters of western New York for Fort Myers, Florida, where they formed many close friendships. Together they traveled extensively, exploring Alaska, Asia, Europe, and South America with family and friends. They believed life's greatest treasures were the experiences shared with those they loved.
Nancy was an enthusiastic reader whose curiosity never faded. She especially enjoyed history and was always ready to recommend a favorite book, documentary, or movie during her calls with family.
Nancy is survived by her children, Lisa Sysun of Amherst, New Hampshire; Laura Royek of New Hill, North Carolina; Jim Smith of Spokane, Washington; and Robert Smith of Holly Springs, North Carolina; her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, Walt Sysun, David Royek, and Dr. Cristy Smith; her grandchildren, Lindsay Royek, James Royek, Ana Ruvalcaba, Erin Ruvalcaba, Samantha Smith, and Reise Smith; and her great-grandson, Rowen Joseph Monteleone. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Beverly Heinecke; nephews, Daniel Coogan and Peter Heinecke, and her niece, Barbara Coogan.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Robert H. Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Monday July 13, 2026 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the ASPCA, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the Chi Omega Foundation.
Nancy's family will forever remember her love of learning, adventurous spirit, quick recommendations of books and movies, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the curiosity, resilience, and appreciation for life's experiences that she instilled in her children and grandchildren.
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