Nancy Elizabeth Kostelic

Nancy Elizabeth Kostelic (Tally), born on June 28, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. She was a cherished member of the Lake Wales community and a devoted family woman. Nancy graduated, alongside her soon to be husband John, from Romulus High School in 1955. She spent the next 30 years as an Executive Secretary for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. Nancy enjoyed lake living for several decades in Belleville, Michigan. She retired from Ford in 1985 and moved to St. Helen, Michigan where she worked for a law office and title company. In 1995, Nancy retired again and moved to Lake Wales, Florida with her late husband, John. Nancy did not stay retired for long as she began working for Title Works then dedicated the next two decades to running “The Exchange”, an upscale women’s clothing consignment shop on Stuart Avenue in downtown Lake Wales. “The Exchange” was a beloved local business, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the end of an era for Nancy.

Nancy and John were dedicated automobile collectors and frequently traveled to car shows across Central Florida. She had a wide array of hobbies, including sewing, quilting, knitting, snowmobiling, motorcycling, bowling, and shopping with her daughter Debbie. Her life was filled with activities that brought her joy and fulfillment. Her last decade was spent sewing and quilting with her sewing group, Clubhouse Gals Sew, at the Lake Wales Country Club. She also volunteered to teach young girls to sew at the Lake Wales Library.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Debra Jackson True, and her husband, George “Skip” True. She is also survived by her grandson, Cody Jackson (Brianna); great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Jackson; and was expecting a great-grandson, Carter, in July of 2026. Additionally, she leaves behind her step-grandson, George True, IV; and her sisters, Fay Cotham and Sharon Sexton, along with their respective spouses, Bob and Lon. Nancy was also beloved by her brother, Ray Tally, and his wife, Karen. As well as her nieces and nephews: Ken Cotham (Paula); Steve Cotham (LaVerne); Dawn Gilbert (Jim); Vicki Hawkes; Michel Hawkes (Kelly); Sharon Brewer (Rick); and Mary Kortes (John); and many great nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Mima Eugene and Nancy Lillia Tally; her husband, John Louis Kostelic; nephew, Owen Hawkes, Jr; and nephew-in-law, Jay Kortes.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until a celebration of life in her honor at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be sent to the Polk County Animal Control Shelter (7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33880). Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.