Nancy E. Whitman

Doylestown - On November 22, 2022, Nancy Ellen Whitman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away at the age of eighty-four. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eileen and James and her sister, Marilyn. Nancy leaves behind her devoted husband of sixty-four years, Thomas and her children Thomas and Terri Whitman, David and Sue Whitman, Carolyn and Richard Garbinsky and Douglas and Yanina Whitman. Also celebrating her life are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Meredith and Josh, Caroline, Thomas Joseph; Jacob and Taylor, Reagan, Kennedy, Lincoln, Rachel and Mario, Liam, Ellie, Andrew and Jacque, Carter, Amelia; Caity and Mike, Selah, Cohen, Judah and a new baby on the way, Christopher and Caitlin, Nicholas and Angie; William and Henry.

At the age of only eight years old, Nancy walked on her own to the corner church and began her life as a believer. She was academically gifted which led to a lifelong love of learning. In high school, she enjoyed playing basketball, had many friends and was crowned Hi-Y Queen her senior year. In 1955, at the age of sixteen, she graduated from Coventry High School.  

Nancy met the love of her life on the steps of St. Peter’s Church in Akron. She was a bridesmaid for her cousin and Tom (her future beloved) was a groomsman for his good friend. As Tom recounts, he saw the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen. Remarkably, the day after meeting Tom, Nancy told her friend she had met the man she was going to marry. Less than fourteen months later they wed on September 6, 1958.  Soon they welcomed their four children and loved the family and life they built in Doylestown.

While raising four young children, Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University and spent twelve years teaching seventh grade at Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School in Doylestown, Ohio. While there, Nancy created and managed the girls’ basketball and volleyball programs as well as her students' annual trips to Columbus. One year, Nancy’s class decided to forego the annual class trip and instead raise funds to pay for building an orphanage in El Salvador. This is just one of many examples of the goodwill that Nancy inspired in her students and so many others in her life.

After teaching, Nancy funneled her creative energy into a crafts business with her husband.  She and Tom attended numerous arts and crafts shows throughout the years and formed lasting friendships with fellow vendors and customers alike. In the wintertime, she and Tom traveled down to the shores of North Myrtle Beach where they often welcomed their children and grandchildren. Nancy always had something special waiting for the little ones upon arrival - a treasure hunt, a seashell game, or a new card game. Even during this relaxing time, Nancy continued to work for the betterment of others by sewing hundreds of dolls for children facing difficulties through the Giving Doll. The Lakehouse at Lake Buckhorn also provided many years of enjoyment for Nancy and Tom and, especially, their many grandchildren. Among their favorite memories are - Grocery Bag ice cream cones, July 4th celebrations on the pontoon, grandkids tubing behind the speed boat, the candy bowl, Grandma’s stories of her childhood, including the BB bats candy and Grandma’s “sparkles” on the lake at sunset.

Nancy deeply embraced all aspects of life and loved her family beyond measure. As well, she adored her students and many others and was equally loved much in return. Her smile and kindness will always be remembered. She leaves a legacy of love, grace and faith. Hers is a life to celebrate.

We are so grateful to the outstanding and compassionate caregivers at Gables of Green and Traditions Hospice who cared for Nancy and comforted Tom and the family. A service and celebration of Nancy’s life will take place Saturday, December 10, 2022, with visitation beginning at 10:00am and the service beginning at 11:00am at Missionview Church, 1320 W Maple Street, North Canton, Ohio, with her son, David, officiating. A private inurnment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, be especially kind and enjoy a sunny day. This is what Nancy would love.

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy E. Whitman, please visit our floral store.