Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Nancy Feist Obituary
Nancy OKeefe Feist, age 43 of Knoxville, devoted mother and wife was called home to be with our Lord along with her newborn son, Peter David, on June 19, 2009. Nancy was a life-long, faith-filled Roman Catholic and a member of All Saints Catholic Church. Nancy was born on August 2, 1965 in Bethlehem, Pa. The great loves of her life were the Lord Jesus, her husband, and six children. Nancy was truly salt and light to the world and a blessing to everyone she met. Nancy was a graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA and Hood College in Frederick, MD. Nancy enjoyed her work at The Chancery of the Diocese of Knoxville where she served Bishops Kurtz and Stika and the diocesan staff. Survivors: She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, David; adoring children: Hope, Justin, Ryan, Craig and Erin, all of Knoxville; parents Joseph and Nancy OKeefe of Bethlehem; brothers: Joseph, Michael, Sean, and families; father- and mother-in-law Albert and Gloria Feist. Services: A Memorial service in Lehigh Valley to be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Nancy Feist Fund for the benefit of the children. Donations may be sent to the Diocese of Knoxville P.O. Box 11127 Knoxville, TN 37939. Please include Nancy Feist Fund in the memo line of any checks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Feist
July 19, 2009
Dear Dave,family,and Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe,
I am very sorry for your loss of a truly wonderful person. Nancy and I were friends through basketball and band at Liberty High School. We kept in contact even after high school until she moved away. She was the kindest, caring person I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Marilyn (Rader) Wetmore
Christine Ward
July 15, 2009
Dear David,
So many good memories I have of Nancy, they will stay with me always. All the times we went to mass at St. Patrick's once a week just because we wanted to, the way she danced around the office with me because she was feeling happy, but most of all she loved singing James Taylor's song to me because she thought it was written for me: "still crazy after all these years". I am happy that I got to see her last year when she came to New York with her parents and brother. I miss her so much. You and your children and Nancy's parents and brothers are in my prayers,
Christine
David Feist
July 12, 2009
Thank you everyone for writing. We will be in Bethlehem for the service at Saint Anne's Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7 PM. Nancy was the best friend and wife I could have ever possibly met. And God was good to give her to this world a generous 43 years. I only wish it could have been 43 more.
Peace to all,
Dave
Ruth & Grahame Leonard
July 6, 2009
Dear Nancy & Joe
We were to saddened to hear of the passing of Nancy and her infant son. While we did not meet Nancy we feel as if we knew her through our many years of friendship with you. We hope that the many messages of supports are of some comfort to you at this most difficult time.
Best wishes from your Aussie mates downunder.
Ruth & Grahame
Fran Bentkowski
July 1, 2009
Dear Mr. and Mrs. O'keefe,
I was so saddened to read of Nancy's passing along with her infant son. Nancy was a very special person. When she first came out for the team...I wondered why. She was not the most gifted of athletes, but as I got to know her, I wished for a hundred more players just like her. Her enthusiasm for the game, her work ethic, the love and caring she showed to teammates made coaching her a joy. I don't think I will ever forget the look of sheer delight on her face when she figured out how to keep that pivot foot down!! When I tried to instill in some of my students the importance of working hard to achieve a goal, I often used Nancy as my example. Please express my deepest sympathy to her husband and your grandchildren and Nancy's brothers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers...
Frank and Barbara Reynolds
June 28, 2009
Dear Mr. Feist and Family,
You were Jonathan Reynolds Kindergarten teacher at Notre Dame of Bethlehem quite a few years ago. Jon will now be a senior at Liberty High School this August. After all these years, he remembers you fondly as you made an everlasting impression on him with your kindness and the loving way you taught. He as well as the rest of our family were all so sad to hear of the passing of your wife and new born son. May you know you are all in our prayers and thoughts.
The Reynolds Family
June 28, 2009
Dear Dave and family,
We are very saddened by the loss of Nancy and baby Peter. Please know you are in our prayers. If you need anything, please do not hesistate to call. The Lorino Family
Jim and Wanda Alshouse
June 27, 2009
Dear Feist Family,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow, please be assured that they are in God's hands now.
The Alshouse family (St. Dominic's Church)
Marion (Mokritsky) Bhatt
June 26, 2009
Dear David and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear of Nancy's and Peter David's deaths. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Talania Cook
June 25, 2009
Dave, Hope, Justin, Ryan and Erin,
We were devastated by the news of Nancy and Peter's passing. You all are in our prayers and will continue to be. Please call if there is anything we can do to help.
Hope was amazing at the funeral mass! What a great tribute and moving message for such an inspiring woman and mother.
Shirley Ungiran
June 25, 2009
Dear Joe and Nancy,
Tom and I wish to express our most sincere condolences in the passing of your daughter. Although we never met her, it is obvious from all the entries in this guest book that she was truly a wonderful daughter, wife, mother and good friend to many.
May your faith in the Lord console you in what is perhaps the most difficult time of your lives. We pray that He will see you and your family through the difficult days ahead.
Tom and Shirley Ungiran
Susie Moriarty
June 25, 2009
Dear Feist family, My heart and prayers go out to all your family.
I am Nancy Howard's mother in KY and read about Nancy Feist from the article my Nancy sent me. God bless you all and God be with you all at this time. You are all in my daily prayers. Peace.
June 25, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Bea and Bob Sawyer
Rocky, Danny, Jimmy and John
Chip Beynon
June 25, 2009
Dave, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Nancy and your child. I cannot know the depths of the grief you bear, but you do not bear it alone. May God bless you and your family and increase your faith.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me."
"I beseech Thee, O Lord, according to Thy loving kindness, have mercy upon the souls of Thy handmaiden Nancy and Thy servant Peter, and, now that they are set free from the defilements of this mortal flesh, restore them to their heritage of everlasting salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen."
June 24, 2009
Dear Dave and Family:
My deepest condolences for this devastating loss. May God help you find some peace.
Stephanie Groves
June 24, 2009
With great sadness we sign this book. Forever in our thoughts and prayers,
Lee and Jill Yaffey, Bethlehem, PA.
Wayne and Shirley Gross
June 24, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
Our sincerest condolences at the loss of Nancy and new born Peter.
Nancy was one of the nicest people anyone could meet. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rick & Andrea Wilson
June 24, 2009
David:
Our hearts go out to you and the children after such a devastating loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
June 24, 2009
Dear Dave and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy. Please remember there are no endings, just new beginnings.I will keep you in my prayers.
Paula Newlan
Troy Brokenshire
June 24, 2009
Dave,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I remember you and Nancy as two of the nicest people on camp staff at Minsi. I am up at the camp now and I am telling everyone about you and Nancy and how kind and caring you both were. If there is anyting I can do, I will be at the camp all summer. Again, I am very sorry.
Bobby Hedglin
June 23, 2009
LOVING MEMORIES
Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall
You had a kindly word for each
and died beloved by all.
The voice is mute, and stilled the heart,
that loved us well and true,
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.
You are not forgotten loved one
nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more and more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your vacant place.
Rest in peace Nancy
June 23, 2009
Dear Feist Family,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May you find some peace as you reflect on loving memories.
Doug Henderlight
Kelley Kuhns Stout
June 23, 2009
Dear Family,
I will always have fond memories of Nancy from Liberty High School. She was a special friend of mine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you the strength and courage to get through this difficult time.
Love, Kelley
June 23, 2009
Dear Nancy and Joe,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at the very sad loss of your dear Nancy and little Peter. With love, Mary Lou Brion
Sandra Pavelchik
June 23, 2009
I am deeply saddened by your loss of Nancy and baby Peter. Please know that you and the children will be in my thoughts and prayers.
June 23, 2009
Dear Joe and Nancy,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the tragic and sudden passing of your beloved daughter, Nancy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your son-in-law and your grandchildren.
God bless you and your family.
Lucia and Angelo Borzillo
Patty Savovic
June 23, 2009
Dear Feist Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. David you were our son, Niko's, favorite teacher. I remember your warm and loving family from Sacred Heart. Our prayers are sent to all those who knew and loved Nancy.
The Savovic Family
Snellville, GA
bob hedglin
June 23, 2009
david and family,
very sorry to hear of your tragic loss.
words can't express my sorrow for you all. Sending much love and comfort.
Bob Hedglin
[email protected]
Letha Lehman
June 23, 2009
Dear Family Who Suffer:
I never met Nancy, however, I want to send my condolences and tell you I have you in my prayers. My own beloved Mother passed away in 2008 and I know the hole in the family's hearts that a death leaves for those who remain. My Mother wrote poetry and I want to share two of her poems with you, perhaps it will bring some consolation to your grieving hearts.
Cloud Patterns by Marie Fern Martin Lehman
Clouds form patterns in the sky,
I don't understand how, nor do I ask why.
Our lives too, have clouds that come for a season,
Should I question God's purpose, or ask Him the reason?
When life's storms are over, the clouds will pass away,
We shall understand the clouds, when we reach eternal day.
Be With Me by Marie Fern Martin Lehman
Everyday may my prayer be
That You would draw me closer Lord to Thee.
Lord it is my soul's desire
to be ready at anytime to be called up higher.
Help me to live each day for You
Lord I know that You will see me through.
And as I serve You, whatever be the task,
Be with me, each day, is all that I ask.
_____________________________
God bless each of you as you face life without your wife, Mother, daughter and other family relationships.
Sincerely,
Letha R. Lehman, RN, MS, Parish Nurse
Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Helen Richardson
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave, Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe, Joe, Mike and Sean,
>
> Poppy, Nancy and I were absolutely devastated to hear about "Little > Nancy's" and Peter's passing. All of us send our prayers for all of you.
>
> Nancy never met a stranger, and left a legacy of countless kindnesses > large and small in every community fortunate enough to have her as a > member. She had the ability to elicit, and emit, a conspiratorial giggle > about so many of life's absurdities. She was the apple of her father's > eye, a steadfast admirer of her big brothers, a compatriot to her mother, > and a woman who reveled in her own roles as wife and mother.
>
> Nancy also had a distinguished record of professional accomplishment and > service to the Church. She lived her faith without wearing it on her > sleeve, and the one thing of which we can be certain is that God will > richly reward his good and faithful servant.
>
> Please be assured that we shall be praying for all of you, and for the > repose of Nancy and Peter's souls, in the difficult days to come. May the > Angels lead them both into Paradise, and may the Lord grant them eternal > light and eternal rest.
>
> Blessings and Love,
>
> Helen Hope Richardson
Dorothy Dashe
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave and family,
I have such fond memories of you and Nancy here at Notre Dame when you taught Meghan in Kindergarten and Hope attended school with Stephen. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
~Dorothy Dashe and Family
Gayle Roulier
June 23, 2009
Dave, Hope, Justin, Ryan, Craig, and Erin,
We are profoundly saddened for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy was a wonderful mother, wife, and friend. She will be greatly missed. Please do not hesitate to call if ever we can do anything for you.
With love,
The Roulier Family
Kim (Stull) Green
June 23, 2009
I went to school with Nancy from first grade through twelth, and am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, children, parents, extended family and friends.
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
Words cannot express our sorrow for you and your family. Your entire family whether it be here on earth or in heaven are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ronald and Beverly Phelan
Notre Dame Parishioners
Chris and Elise Poynter
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave and Family:
We were shocked and saddened when we heard of Nancy's passing. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave and children,
We are so saddened.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron, Ann, Terry and Evelyn Hersh
June 23, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.
Elana Hall
Sacred Heart Preschool
June 23, 2009
I worked with Nancy and loved her as my friend. I was so shocked and sadden to hear of her passing. Please know that your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Cooper, Administration
Mercy Health Partners
JAMES FORAND
June 23, 2009
Dear Joe and Nancy,
God bless both of you during this most trying time in your lives. It is unthinkable that young Nancy has departed this world. The only consolation is that she is in a better place.
Please accept Linda's and my deepest sympathies for your loss. Clearly Nancy was one of those rare people who gave much more than she received. We shall always remember her for her smile, quick wit and her motherly manners.
May her soul rest in peace.
If there is anything Linda and I can do for you please call us.
In deepest Sympathy and Love,
Jim & Linda Forand
Diane Abeles
June 23, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe:
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Nancy was a wonderful person, daughter, wife and mother. You should be so very proud. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this most difficult time.
Diane Abeles
Leeson, Leeson & Leeson
Pebby Distefano
June 23, 2009
Dear Feist Family - your family is in my prayers. Such a tragic loss.
June 23, 2009
dave and family i worked at dr baker's office when you had Hope and Justin i am sorry to hear of your loss ---you and your family will be in my prayers at this sad time sharon seaman
Ellen (Gilmartin) Reczek
June 23, 2009
To Nancy's Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
June 23, 2009
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you in your time of loss. The office and staff or Dr. Randal Hartline.
June 23, 2009
Dave & family
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this very difficult time.
Kate, Peter, Maggie & Hannah Schutzler
Macungie, PA
June 23, 2009
Dave and children, you are in my prayers and thoughts. Susie Rowland
Eileen Kutzler
June 23, 2009
I am so sorry to learn of Nancy's loss. I attended LHS with her, marched in the band with her and served as music librarian along with her. I will always remember her as being very intelligent, focused, and witty. My deepest condolences to the O'Keefe and Feist families, and to her children, please know that your Mom was a special lady and well liked by her friends when she was in school!
Eileen Hook Kutzler
LHS Class of 1983
June 22, 2009
Dave,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We were so shocked to hear of your loss. We'll pray for you and the kids during these difficult times.
Harry & Nisha Patel
June 22, 2009
David, Hope, Justin, Ryan, Craig and Erin,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy was a beautiful person. We wish your family well.
The Boyle Family
(Jim Morgan's sister and family)
Dave, Kitty and Sean Foley
June 22, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chirstine Robinette
June 22, 2009
Dear Dave and family,
We are sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Christine, Harold, Breanna and Caitlin Robinette Kingsport St. Dominic School
Cindi Davidson
June 22, 2009
Dear Dave and children,
I was working at the ER when Nancy arrived. I can't express my sorrow and the sorrow of all the ER staff and registration during your families great tragedy. Just know that all of us at Baptist West have you and your children in our thoughts and prayers.
God richly bless and comfort you and all of your family as only He can do.
Amy Young Burke
June 22, 2009
Dear David and Family: The chills went through me when this sad, sad news was announced at Notre Dame yesterday. Time really did fly since our days at Buchanan and those with Nancy at Liberty. I think of your family often since we do not see you in Bethlehem anymore. My sincere and deepest condolences are with you and your beautiful family. All of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Very sincerely, Amy Young Burke
Nancy Culver
June 22, 2009
Dear David and Family, Ron and I and Ronnie and Carole were saddeded to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
Kathryn Mitchell
June 22, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. There is nothing I can say to help ease your pain just know I myself know what you are going through. Nancy was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly. I am here if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call.
Love,
Kat and Maddy
Laurie Lyza
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and children:
There are no words to express how profoundly saddened our family was to hear of your loss. Know that you are in out thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.
Jim, Laurie, and Carrie Lyza
St. Mary's Church and St. Mary's School
June 21, 2009
Dave, Hope, Justin, Ryan, Craig and Erin, We are so very sorry. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If ever there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know. All our love, Jim, Stacey and Italy Clay (Dallas, OR)
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Alway remember... Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.
May you find comfort and strenth in your memories.
~ Janet Coombs, Kingsport, Tennessee St. Dominic School
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and Family,
I and my family are so saddened to hear about the loss of Nancy. I know the sudden loss of a loved one is really difficult to indure but with your faith and prayers God always delivers us through these sad times. My prayers are with the Feist family.
Love,Cousin Annette Kneule-Langston
Deacon Ken and Peggy Long
June 21, 2009
Nancy O'Keefe Feist, child of God, part of the body of Christ, wrapped in the Spirit, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend to many will be dearly missed but always remembered. Her tender and gentle ways were examples of the love that God instilled in her to pour out on those that crossed her path. Thank you Lord, for allowing her to cross our paths. And May her family feel the peace that both she and Peter David are feeling in their heavenly home.
carrie arana
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and children,
We were so sorry to hear of your great loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Our prayers are with you.
The Arana Family
Warren Sanger
June 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The Sanger Family
Sheila Sparrow and Staff, St. Mary's ECC
June 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 21, 2009
I want to express our condolences to David and the children - Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alan and Alison Whitehouse ( cian's parents )
Fran Samarel
June 21, 2009
Dear Feist Family and O'Keefe Family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Nancy and Peter David. I grew up across the street from Nancy and have wonderful memories of our childhood playing together and her loving family. Your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Francine Brown Samarel, Matt, Ethan, Jeremy and Brandon Samarel
Savannah Watkins
June 21, 2009
Mr. Fiest and Family,
Im so sorry to hear about Mrs. Fiest. I feel terrible for all of you. You are in my families and my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Savannah and Family
June 21, 2009
I didn't know Nancy Feist , she sounds like a wonderful woman, mother, and servant to Christ. My condolences to her husband, children, family and freinds.
Maura Lentz
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and Family, Our prayers, thoughts and love are with all of you. Nancy is a beautiful person who touched so many lives. Please know that God will be with you always just as Nancy is with him. May God and all your family and friends comfort and keep you. With our Love and Prayers, The Lentz Family, Gary, Maura, Nick, Anna, Michaela and Kathryn.
June 21, 2009
Eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has in store for those who love Him. And surely God has much in store for you and your children. My sincere condolences, Anonymous
June 21, 2009
David and Justin:
My son Addison Rivard, was in your class at SHCS and a friend of Justins. We are so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Alice, Addison & Reagan Rivard
Sue Broadway
June 21, 2009
Dave and family,
Sarah and I were terribly saddened by the news of Nancy and Peter's passing. The Notre Dame parish was blessed to have all of you as a part of it. Know that our prayers will be with all of you.
June 21, 2009
Dave, May God and the love and support of your family and friends comfort you and your children during this very difficult time. I loved Nancy and very much enjoyed working with her the two years I was at the Chancery. It was always obvious how much she loved God and her family. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched and I know that I will miss her terribly. If there was ever a reason to ask "why" it would definately be, why Nancy?
Pam Dietz
June 21, 2009
June 21, 2009
Dear Dave and family:
There are no words to express how sorry we are to hear of Nancy's passing. A remarkable women who was admired by everyone's life she touched. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all.
Love Brenda Hanvey and Joe Mitchell
Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results
Make a Donation
in Nancy Feist's name
Memorial Events
for Nancy Feist
How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nancy Feist's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
