Nancy Wensel Williams, 84, of Boalsburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital in Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on August 27, 1940, in Roaring Spring, Nancy was the daughter of the late Clarence W. and Lois Eugenia (Maxwell) Wensel, Jr. On February 11, 1960, she married the love of her life, James Lee Williams, with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.
Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, James, and their four children: Vicki Janota and her husband Curt of Derwood, MD; Wendy Franklin of Pennsylvania Furnace; Lori Miller and her husband Chris of Middletown; and Scott Williams and his wife Amy of State College. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, John Wensel of Winter Haven, FL, and Lois Jeanne Marchak and her husband Myron of Milton, DE and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless happiness.
A graduate of Shamokin Area High School (Class of 1958) and the Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1961), Nancy had a long and fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated her skills and compassion to the State College OBGYN group and later to the Harrisburg Urological Group in Camp Hill, where she made a lasting impact on countless patients before retiring on January 1, 1998.
Nancy’s faith was a guiding light in her life. She was a devoted pastor’s wife serving many different Methodist churches that her husband served and later a member of Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and found joy in serving her church community. She also volunteered with RSVP and at Mount Nittany Medical Center, always looking for ways to give back. As a snow bird, Nancy spent the winters in Florida for 25 years where she volunteered with the Citizens Assisted Patrol System. An avid crafter, she enjoyed creating handmade treasures, but her greatest passion was spending time with her family—sharing stories, laughter, and love.
A visitation will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Monday, February 17, 2025 from 9:00 am until the funeral service begins at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 East Branch Road, State College, PA. The funeral service to celebrate Nancy’s life will take place on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, State College, PA with Reverend Michael Swimley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church honoring Nancy’s lifelong spirit of kindness and care.