Nancy Genovesi, a beacon of grace and strength, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on August 1, 1934, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, Nancy brought warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered during her long and fulfilling life. She transitioned from this world gracefully after an illness, surrounded by the love of family in
Chesapeake, Virginia.
A dedicated teacher's aide, Nancy devoted many years to shaping young minds in the education sector, leaving an indelible mark on the community through her unwavering commitment to nurturing and guiding children. Her compassion and generosity extended beyond the classroom as she faithfully served as a cherished member of the Church of the Ascension for 29 years. Whether through her active participation in the church's community and social ministries or her involvement with the Ladies of the Auxiliary or Rainbows, Nancy exemplified the true spirit of service, constantly giving of herself for the betterment of others.
In 1956, Nancy met Steve, the love of her life, with whom she shared a deep and abiding bond until his passing. Together, they embraced the joys of family life, raising their beloved daughter, Tina, whose life remains a testament to Nancy's enduring legacy. She was the youngest of thirteen siblings and they all preceded her in passing. Preceded in death by her husband, Steve, and her parents, Francesco and Angela Pellegrino, Nancy now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones.
Nancy's legacy lives on through her surviving family: her cherished daughter, Tina; two loving grandsons; a precious great-granddaughter; and a lively great-grandson. Her legacy also extends to numerous nieces and nephews spanning Italy, New York, and Connecticut. Her influence and love are etched into the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A visitation in celebration of Nancy's remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach. The next day, at 1pm, a graveside service will take place at Princess Anne Memorial Park, situated at 1110 N Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, where we will honor her life and the light she so generously shared with the world.
In lieu of flowers, let us carry forward her legacy by embracing each other with kindness, sharing love abundantly, and living with the same dedication to family and community that Nancy so beautifully exemplified.