Nancy Waitt

Nancy Ann Longtin Waitt, 77, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on her birthday, April 25, 2025. For the past twelve years, she faced Alzheimer's disease with the same grace and dignity that defined her life.

Born on April 25, 1948, to Edward and Madeline Longtin in Marshall, Minnesota, Nancy treasured her childhood years there, particularly living close to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and School. During her high school years, she delighted customers as a carhop at the local A&W drive-in, where her friendly service and bright smile became well-known. Nancy excelled academically while demonstrating natural leadership abilities, serving on the Marshall Teen Board and earning selection to Minnesota Girls State in 1965.

Nancy graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa where she met her great love, David Waitt. Nancy and David wed on December 26, 1967, beginning a beautiful journey together.

Throughout their life together, Nancy created warm and welcoming homes in Iowa, Texas, and Florida. Although both were raised in the Midwest, Amarillo became the place she and David considered their home, where they spent most of their years together and raised their daughters. Nancy had a remarkable gift for transforming any house into a home, opening her doors to everyone with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Nancy devoted herself to community service wherever she lived. She taught elementary school in the early years of her marriage and later taught English as a second language at Amarillo Community College, sharing her love of language and learning with students of all ages. She served on countless boards of organizations in numerous leadership roles, including as president of a few. In Sioux City, she volunteered at the Sioux City Rehabilitation Center and served as an Area Organizer for the Cancer Society. In Amarillo, she was active with the Junior League, PEO, Amarillo Symphony Guild, Ronald McDonald House, Puckett Elementary PTA, Another Chance House, First Christian Church, and many others. In New Smyrna Beach, she continued her tradition of service through the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club and other community organizations.

Nancy's life with David was filled with adventure and joy. She cherished playing canasta with her dear friends, later sharing this love of cards and games with her grandsons. Nancy traveled the world with her daughter Rachael, exploring art museums and historic churches, indulging her love of artistic expression and historical significance. She shared her passion for music with her daughter Anna, as they created countless memories attending live concerts and discovering new musicians together.

Her faith was central to her life. Nancy was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, Minnesota, and later St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Horseshoe Bay. Together, Nancy and David attended First Christian Church of Amarillo and St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church in New Smyrna Beach.

Nancy is survived by her husband David, daughters Rachael (Kenneth) Moreano and Anna (Brad) Eckhoff; grandsons Noah (Ava) Moreano and David Moreano (Safiyah); sister Patricia (Dick) Bradley; brother Greg (Karen) Longtin; sister-in-law Bonnie Longtin; sister-in-law Cynthia Hoak; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Madeline Longtin; brother Tom Longtin, father and mother-in-law Theodore and K. Elaine Waitt; brothers-in-law Theodore, Peter, and Norman; and sister-in-law Joan Waitt.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate home healthcare providers and staff who loved and cared for Nancy in her New Smyrna Beach home and at The Addison of Port Orange.

Nancy will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her welcoming spirit, and her deep devotion to her family, whom she adored. She touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity, leaving a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, 3001 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo, TX 79109, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her memory through a memorial donation to Another Chance House of Amarillo, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo, or First Christian Church of Amarillo.