Nancy Jane Gorman

Nancy Jane Gudebrod Gorman, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, on June 26, 2025, with her beloved husband by her side.

Nancy was born on November 23, 1942, in Huntington, NY. A proud Long Islander for most of her life, she and her husband Robert F. Gorman relocated to Ocean Isle Beach in 1998, where they found a warm and welcoming community that quickly became home.

Nancy was a lifelong learner and educator. She earned her undergraduate degrees from Hartwick and Green Mountain Colleges and went on to receive two master's degrees in English and Library Science. She began her professional career as a middle school English teacher at Burrs Lane Junior High School, where she met Robert, the teacher across the hall who would become the love of her life. The two were married in June of 1969.

In 1971, Nancy made the choice to stay home and raise her two daughters, a decision that shaped the rest of her life. As her daughters grew, she returned to the workforce, editing for the Quarterly Review of Biology at Stony Brook University and later serving as a librarian at Longwood Public Library, from which she retired in 1997.

Nancy's life was one of service, faith, and joy. She was a devoted church member throughout her life, serving as a Deacon and Elder many times and finding special joy in playing bells and preserving church history. At Shallotte Presbyterian Church, she served as historian for many years. Nancy was also an active member and officer in the Bricklanding Women's Club in Ocean Isle Beach.

She had a passion for nurturing community, from leading ski club trips in her early teaching years to serving as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader when her daughters were young. Her warmth and guidance left lasting impressions on all who knew her.

Nancy loved to travel with her family and friends and had the good fortune to visit five continents during her lifetime, embracing new cultures, adventures, and experiences.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Robert F. Gorman; her daughters, Elizabeth Meissner (Dave Meissner) and Margaret Whittemore (Jeffrey Whittemore); and her four cherished grandchildren, Mitch Meissner, Tommy Meissner, Cooper Whittemore, and Ella Whittemore.

A memorial service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 1:00 PM at Shallotte Presbyterian Church. She asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Shallotte Presbyterian church https://secure.myvanco.com/YP2F/home

Nancy will be remembered for her deep faith, her generous heart, and her unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.