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Nancy Titus Obituary
Nancy Ellen Titus, LCSW died peacefully at her home on May 28, 2009 surrounded by her family after a brave and fierce 2 year battle with Cholangiocarcinoma. She was born in Joliet, IL on April 12, 1940 to Cecil H. and Mary Ellen Gregory Lanham.
Nancy was a proud member of the Class of '58 of Joliet Township High School and enjoyed being 16 again at her 50th reunion last summer. She received her undergraduate degree from George Mason University proudly graduating with her 2nd daughter Mary Susan in 1984. In 1994 she received her Masters in Social Work from Barry University in Miami and enjoyed her clinical practice as an LCSW and Certified Family Court Mediator until she retired from practice and moved to Gainesville in 2002. Nancy served as Chair of the Miami-Dade Unit and on the state board of NASW. Although she was retired from social work, she continued to work in her life-partner's CPA firm as a mediator and "general helper" especially during tax season. Nancy's spiritual life was enriched by her involvement in Riviera Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and was involved on various committees. Even after she moved to Gainesville, Nancy continued her membership in RPC, unable to leave her beloved church home in Miami. Nancy enjoyed traveling and was thrilled to have finally gotten to Hawaii last November where she learned to hula dance.
Nancy is survived by life-partner Barbara Jean Raskin, daughters Jan Ellen Yaggy of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mary Susan Nissen (Ray) of Fairfax, VA and Eva Beth Yaggy of Sterling, VA, son Michael E. Titus of Tallahassee, FL, beloved grandchildren Rachel D. Nissen and Joseph M. Nissen of Fairfax, VA, former husband and friend Ed Titus of Thomasville, GA, sister Susan K. Campbell (Michael) and family of Champaign, IL, brother Richard G. Lanham of Gainesville, FL and her faithful dog Ethan.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Riviera Presbyterian Church, Nancy Ellen Titus Memorial Grand Piano Fund, 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143, 305-666-8586. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 10:30 AM until the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Dr. Laurie A. Kraus officiating. A memorial service will be held in Miami at a later date.
MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL. 32601 (352) 376-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Titus
Sponsored by Barbara Jean Raskin.
Barbara Jean Raskin
August 3, 2013
....another summer without Camp Grandma. Rachel and Joe are grown and in college now. I'm still thinking we'd have Camp Grandma, if you were here Nan. Those were such special times. I often recount in my mind Joe standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and saying with wonder in his voice " you just couldn't explain this to someone".....Rachel being the brave (but nervous) big sister when she and Joe went parasailing in Tybee Island, GA at our last CG...Joe being the first one on the boat to spot dolphins in Sanibel Island and sounding the alarm (screaming "dolphins!") as we were instructed to do... Cruising Alaska and R & J being full of wonder every day as we flew over the Juno Ice Cap, went to the sled dog camp, took the small gauge train through the mountains... Remembering "adult dinner", the silly CG song, Tee Shirts and Caps, art projects, swimming in the morning before the summer rain, GB's famous "best Mac and cheese in the world"... And all of our other CG secrets! I miss our life. I know you are looking down on all of us and shaking your head while as always, understanding. Uv Ew, bjr
Drue Ferrante
September 25, 2010
This was written by my daughter, Devon Myers, for her first personal essay for English honors at Gainesville High School. Drue Ferrante
Devon Myers
Anderson
Pre-AICE English
6 September 2010
Personal Essay
I met Nancy when I was seven. I had just moved for the third time in three years. But Mom was content with this house and she promised that we would be there for a long time. Nancy lived with Barbara Jean across the street, in what the neighborhood kids called the ketchup-and-mustard house.
To me, Nancy was an angel. She was a gentle and kind woman whose smile lit up the room. I got to know her more as my mother and I spent time with Nancy and Barbara Jean. We went out to breakfast many times, and sometimes the adults would sit on the front patio, sipping wine and talking while I was getting an orange from a tree in their backyard. She was an artist- she saw beauty where others didn’t. Nancy was an elegant lady too, she held herself high but accepted others just the way they were. She was beautiful and special -like the sun and the rain at the same time.
When I was about 11, my mother, who is a doctor, explained to me that Nancy was ill. It was serious, Mom said. She told me that Nancy had cancer. Just a few weeks later, Nancy had a big operation that left her very frail. She still smiled a lot for me and my brother. For a while, she seemed better. Within a few months, though, she became so week I hardly saw her. There was less life in that house; I wanted to see Nancy but I didn’t want to go in the quiet and uncomfortable home.
One night in May in seventh grade, Nancy passed away in her sleep. Naturally, I was sad when Nancy died. A big piece of my heart broke. I was crying off and on for days, and often coming to school a wreck. I went to the funeral, where people recounted her life and her favorite songs played. The initially somber ceremony soon became a transition from grief to a celebration of the life of a good and kind person. Though Nancy is gone, I have fond memories of her, and these comfort me. I still think of her wistfully, and when I see something that reminds me of her, I say, “Hi Nancy.” Her legacy is thus preserved in my heart and the hearts of those whom she touched in her life.
June 13, 2010
Blanca Galvez
May 29, 2010
Since you left for a better place our only consolation is to have Barbara Jean close to us so we can share the many memories we have of you. Thank you for the love and the good times, Nancy.
Mary Nissen
May 28, 2010
Dear Mom,
It's been a year since I kissed you good-bye. The beautiful image of you will forever be indelibly imprinted in my memory...your soft skin, your elegant scent, your classy red nails, your beautiful trademark smile, and the biggest, most genuine, love-filled heart I have ever known. I miss you every day.
love, Mary
Sue Campbell
May 26, 2010
IN CELEBRATION OF AND GRATITUDE FOR NANCY
My dear sister Nancy..... In countless ways, we honor and celebrate you every day, each in our own unique way as we live the days of our lives. As we pause to lift our hearts in prayer in this time of remembrance, honor and celebration, we know that you are surrounded and embraced by heavenly angels. As we reflect on your beautiful spirit, we are aware of the many ways you continue to bless those you love and who love you in return.....Woven threads of joy surround each of us with the peace of knowing you are still with us.....touching our lives and transforming our hearts. Your spirit blesses us every day with your enduring love and strength. Our lives reflect the very joy you share with us. Your radiant soul will be cherished for all eternity. Your loving spirit has no boundaries. Even in separation and death, your loving presence lives on within our hearts and memories. We are grateful that your spirit continues to offer us comfort, guidance and unconditional love. I love you Nancy. You are forever my special big sister.........
Love Forever, Sue
We LOVED when you visited us in Virginia!!!
Eva Yaggy
May 26, 2010
Dear Mom...
I miss you so much, it hurts. Its been a year without you and its so hard to believe it. Jan, Mary, Michael and I have kept your "sparkling" spirit ALIVE within us. The 4 of us have had eachother ALWAYS during the most difficult times...and the most precious of times. We celebrate you every day and we know what an honor it was to be your children. Rachel and Joe miss you very much too...it hits them hard sometimes. You would be so proud...they just participated in the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE...a race to help fight cancer. They did it in YOUR HONOR. They felt you there that night. We know you have never left our sides because I feel you close sometimes and I gasp. You are so beautiful, Mom (inside and out) YOU were like an angel on this earth... Thank YOU for always loving me, for always being proud of me and for teaching us so much. I don't know what I would do without Jan, Mary and Michael...Thank you for the best siblings in the world. I love you...and I know you are singing and dancing with the lord. I'm smiling because I know you're the lead singer and dancer!!! I will end this like you ended all your letters to me and say..."hugs and kisses". I love you so MUCH, MOM xoxo Love, Eva, Jan, Mary Susan and Michael. your children... XOXOXOX
In Loving Memory of Mom
Jan, Mary, Eva, Michael
May 25, 2010
Our beautiful mother, it has been a year since you have been gone. On May 28th, 2009, the world would change forever. In our hearts, we hear the sound of your laughter. When we close our eyes, we see the gentleness of your smile. If we should cry, we feel your embrace as tender as the wings of a beautiful angel. Every day you are holding us so close. In every beat of our hearts, we are missing you so much.
Your beloved children,
Jan Ellen, Mary Susan, Eva Beth and Michael
Adriana Forero-Alsop
May 24, 2010
Nancy,
May you always find peace with in.
May you trust God that you are where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your soul, and allow your spirit the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Saint Teresa’s Prayer
Rita Geller
October 10, 2009
Our beloved Nancy embodied true grace and courage. Ted and I will long remember all our fond memories of Nancy and her gentle smile, adorable giggle and sweet personality. We are deeply saddened that she left us; however her spirit will continue to live within us. We are thrilled that we were a part of her life.
All our love today and always,
Ted and Rita Geller
Paul & Wanda Lankford
June 19, 2009
Our friend Barbara,
We are so sorry to hear about Nancy passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We will continue to keep you and your family lifted in prayer. God Bless You.
With lots of love,
Paul, Wanda, Ryan, and Jasmin Lankford
June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
I am so saddened by Nancys passing. She fought valiantly. I am so glad we have such good memories from our reunion to reflect on. She was such a gracious person, and I extend my sympathies to the family. Patricia Konte
Judith Browning
June 8, 2009
My heart is heavy with sadness. What a gracious lady and I am so ever grateful to have re-connected with her at our JTHS '58 mini-reunions and at our 50th last year. Barbara, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and Nancy and the laughs we had at dinner and after each event. I will truly treasure these moments forever. My heartfelt deepest sympathy & condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
"We miss you in so many ways,
We miss things you used to say,
And when old times we do recall,
It’s then we miss you most of all."
Judith Rungaitis Browning, JTHS 1958
Normie Kane
June 8, 2009
My dear Barbara and family, I was deeply saddened by the news of Miss Tee's passing. Although we lost contact after you left Miami, I have wonderful memories of working with Nancy in OB/GYN at the Medical School at the University of Miami, as well as socializing & celebrating many holidays with you over the years. We used to trot about in our little white lab jackets, "Like we owned the place," as Nancy used to say of our work at JMH. I know you to have been an exceptionally devoted partner and I know you will miss her enormously.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love,
Normie
June 8, 2009
To Nancy's family,
I can only imagine the depth of your loss and the sorrow you must feel.
I truly admired Nancy's courage as she struggled with her medical problems these last years. She never showed the pain or fear she must have felt and remained true to herself, gracious and lovely.
I so admired Nancy and your, Barb, committement as grandmothers that I am stealing the concpet of "Camp Grandma." If only Emma can have as much fun as Joe and Rachel had I will be a happy camper! When Emma is old enough I will be sure to let her know of Nancy and Barb, the original camp counselors.
May your memories ease your pain, Nancy will remain a part of you all forever, absent in person but alive in your very beings.
Love,
Jan and Tom Jones
Alberta (Galli) Mobley
June 7, 2009
Nan was truly a wonderful person. Words are inadequate when trying to describe how she impacted the lives of so many of us.. Nancy was always calm and serene.. she exuded an aura of warmth and peace that was never duplicated by any of the people I've met over the years. Her laughter was genuine and induced us to laugh with her. I will never forget Nan and her graciousness...
To Barb and Nan's family and to all her friends... I wish you an inner peace when you recall the person she was, and may your pain of loss be diminished by the knowledge we will meet again in a better place.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Sincerely,
Alberta, JTHS Class of 1958
June 7, 2009
To Nancy's Family and Friends,
My heartfelt sympathy to all. Nancy was a classmate and a very 'special' and kind lady. It was so nice to see her at the Mini-Reunion in Huntsville and also last year at our 50th Class Reunion. It was a privilege to have known her!
God Bless,
Judy Hynd Sternisha
Donna "D J" Krizmanic-Williams
June 7, 2009
To Barbara Jean & Nancy's Children/Grandchildren,
Please know my thoughts are with you. Nan was a dear junior high & high school friend. Seeing her again last year at the reunion, after 50 years, brought back all the memories of her genuine character & quiet kindness. Nan is at peace now.
Sandra Mizicko
June 5, 2009
To all who loved Nancy-
My heart goes out to all of you. We were not friends or probably even aquaintances, but there was always something very special about you. We were classmates of JTHS class of 1958. Our homerooms were across the hall from each other.
We passed in the halls many times. You always seemed to exude an inner peace & tranquility. I admired those qualities greatly & wished that I had just a little of them.
You always seemed to be unaware of the effect you had on others. You seemed like a calm sea in our turbulent high school years. (Especially in the halls.) This all sounds very distant, but that sense of tranquility & grace that you displayed in high school seems to have served you well throughout your life. God grant you peace.
Sandy Lewis Mizicko Class of 1958
Denise, Russ, Ian and Raleigh Knight
June 5, 2009
Mary, Ray, Rachel, Joe, Eva, and Jan,
We send you our love. We're so sorry to hear the news. We only met Nancy a few times, but she was a wonderful and fun loving person. We miss you.
Jan Ellen Yaggy
June 5, 2009
My beautiful mother, I am missing you more than words that I can find. You were my best friend, my mentor, life coach and the most beautiful mother a daughter could every have. Thank you for your love and your devotion, lessons in faith, courage & strength, and bringing me into this world. I was your first born. I will carry you forever inside of my heart until we are together again.
I love you, mom.. with all of my heart.
Karen Bender
June 3, 2009
Nancy will be truly missed. She was a beautiful, kind and loving human being and her spirit will live on forever. My life has been enriched by knowing her. My heart goes out to Barbara and Nancy's family.
June 3, 2009
Dear Barbara Jean,
I am so glad I had the chance to know Nancy even a little. We send our love and condolences to you and all the family.
Stephanie, Taylor and Taryn
Susan Proctor
June 3, 2009
To Mary, Ray, Rachel, Joe, Eva, Jan, Michael, and Barb - We are so sorry for the passing of Nancy. She was such an elegant lady with such a great outlook on life and full of energy. We are honored to have known her and have her in our life. I remember her and I blowing up balloons and laughing for Mary's 40th birthday party and our wonderful lunch in Middleburg just last year. She will be remembered as a very special lady and her memory will be kept alive in the hearts of her family and friends. Our prayers are with you all.
Love, Susan, Mark, Stephanie, Samantha, and Sarah Proctor
Pat Verd
June 2, 2009
I will miss your humor, good judgement and elegance so very much. We are all poorer for your passing.
Janice Gair
June 2, 2009
Nancy was a gracious person and a true lady. I will miss her and send my sympathy to Barbara and family
John & Melinda Scott
June 1, 2009
To Nancy and All of her loved ones (as we know there are so very many), we send our deepest sympathy. We only met Nancy and Barb a view times through Eva but enjoyed the dice game with them especially (they were a hoot together). Many memories for all of you to remember and good times that everyone had. She will deeply be missed but personally feel she is in a better place and going to watch over all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
John and Melinda Scott
Miriam Aponte
June 1, 2009
I will miss running into Nancy at the NASW conferences where I would have the opportunity to sit and chat with her. She was a lovely lady full of spirit and good cheer, always smiling. Will miss her. My deepest sympathy to Barbara and family.
Maggie Mauer
June 1, 2009
Dear Barbara Jean,
Even though Nancy hadn't been here in a long time, the office feels so empty today. I can only imagine how your home must feel now that Nancy isn't there. I keep thinking about you and Fred and I are sending you our love.
Page Britt
May 31, 2009
Our hearts and thoughts are with her family. Nancy's son has been a truly wonderful friend to Lynda and I both. We have no doubt that she was a very special and extraordinary person to have blessed this world with Mike.
Robin Shear
May 31, 2009
Dear Barbara Jean,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Carol & Ray Ross
May 31, 2009
A friend for almost 4 decades, we know how much joy Nancy brought to others' lives. We celebrate her life, mourn her passing, and pray for comfort for her whole extended family.
Maury & Clare Bloch
May 31, 2009
Dear Barbara,our sincere sympathy to you and Nancy's family on her
passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely.
Jan Weiss
May 31, 2009
My Dear Barb:
I hurt for you and feel your pain. However, all the wonderful years and adventures you both had will always be around to warm your heart. I know the grandkids will always have those great trips to Grandma Nancy & Grandma Barb's house to remember, especially those fabulous vacations. I will miss Nancy and will always be thankful that you both met and got to spend so many wonderful years together.
My heartfelt condolence to you and the rest of the family. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Jan
Nida Recabo, M.S.W.
May 30, 2009
I met Nancy in 2000 while I was recovering from breast cancer treatments and needed someone to walk with me through the processes of life. We connected very well. She was a very lovely woman and our engagements were always very lively for we both like to talk, laugh and explore all of life's possibilities. She was a fella Clinical Social Worker and was involved with the South Florida NASW Chapter. We both have strong ties to Fairfax, Virginia and we also received our Masters in Social Work from Barry University.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
She was a woman who lived life to the full..the epitome of a truly evolved woman of substance. She and I always spoke about spiritual connections..and how those connections continually influences and enhances our profession and love choices as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the rest of her loving family.
Becky Barkett
May 30, 2009
Barb,
My heart hurts! Nancy was a special woman. I am so sorry to hear that her journey ended. You both were the BEST neigbors anyone could have. Please know you are in my prayers. Stay strong!
God's Blessings.
Becky Barkett
Lori La Medica Janet Bush
May 30, 2009
We were saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
myra jacobs
May 30, 2009
Dear BJ,
Sorry to hear of Nancy's passing.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Myra & Paul Jacobs
(former ownersBagel Emporioum 1975-2006)
Kandi Crosier
May 30, 2009
Nancy you were a gem of a person. I want to thank you and Barbara Jean for all the wonderful times you provided for me and my family. You will truly be missed. May the Lord bless you and give you peace as she was such a loving and wonderful person and touched so many lives. Again our blessing go to each and every family member and we are so blessed to have been a small part of her life. You will always be remembered and my kids and I will always remember you and your wonderful spirit and love your love of life. Barbara Jean our thougts and prayers are with you that you have lost a precious love of your life. Love and prayers always.
The Crosier Family
Blanca Galvez
May 29, 2009
Though the voice is quiet, the spirit echoes still. You will always be remembered.
Ann & Jim Shuck
May 29, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
May 29, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a special person. While I didn't know Nancy, I have heard such wonderful things about her through her son, Mike. My prayers are with the entire family.
Dianne Redd
Sharon Ferraro
May 29, 2009
To Mary, Ray, Rachel, Joe, Eva, Barb and the rest of Nancy's family...We are so sorry for your loss. Mary, I only met your mom a few times but I could see how blessed you all were to have her. I do remember her bright smile and sense of humor even while she was recovering from her health situation at that time, with bruises on her face. I was always in awe of her (and Barb's) initiative and energy to take Rachel and Joe on those great trips! What amazing memories they will have! My prayers are with all of you. She will be your guiding angel now. Love, Sharon (and Michael and Nicole)
Marilyn Benjamin
May 29, 2009
Nancy was a beautiful person from the inside out. She will be sorely missed and always live in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Marilyn and family
Adriana Forero-Alsop
May 29, 2009
My Dear Friend and Neighbor Nancy,
It saddens my heart to be writing to you in this book, but I want you to know how much we love you, and how much you will be missed! I have enjoyed having both you and Barbara Jean as neighbors. I immediately felt a connection when you moved in across the street because you had spent so much time in south Florida, where I was raised. I will miss our happy hours, card games and long talks as we walked our dogs in the neighborhood. You often talked about your vacation trips and your family that meant so much to you. Please know that Bryson loves you very much and wanted to bring you cookies again this week to make you feel better. We will treasure our memories with you! I know deep in my heart that your love and beautiful spirit lives on forever, and you will always be near the ones you love. May you have all the peace, happiness and tranquility that come with moving onto your next journey?
My love and deepest sympathy go out to Barbara Jean and the family.
You will always be in my heart,
Adriana and Family.
Trevor Howe
May 29, 2009
Nancy was a true gem of a person that will be sorely missed. Haylee will always remember her homeade cookies that kept her wanting to come back. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the rest of the family at this difficult time.
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