Nancy Elizabeth Lelli

Nancy Elizabeth Lelli
February 5, 1941 – April 1, 2025
Nancy Elizabeth Lelli, beloved Mom, Nonnie, Sister, and Friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025 with her son by her side. Born on February 5, 1941, in New Castle, PA, Nancy dedicated her life to family, friends, education and faith.
She attended the University of Detroit, where she studied education before beginning her career as a grade school teacher. Later, she transitioned to a meaningful role in public relations at the Pearl S. Buck Foundation in Bucks County, PA.
Nancy cherished her life in Doylestown Borough, where she built lasting friendships and created beautiful memories with her family. She found immense joy in spending time with her son, Gary Lelli, Jr., daughter-in-law, Kelly Bottger, and her four beloved grandchildren-Michael, Grace, Nora, and Emily and her granddogs – Wrigley, Ozzy and Nello. She was also a devoted sister to Robert (Bob) Colaizzi and her sister-in-law Diane, and a loving aunt to Nick Colaizzi, the late Tony Colaizzi, and Scott Whitesell. Nancy was also a gracious stepmom to her late husband's children, David, Kim and Mark, and grandmother to their children. She had a special bond with her grandson, Mark Lelli, Jr., who lovingly referred to her as "Supermom."
Nancy had a passion for playing bridge, staying in touch with lifelong friends from high school, college, and beyond, and practicing her deep faith. She was an avid churchgoer and dedicated rosary prayer at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
She was preceded in death by her late husband, Gary Lelli, Sr., and will now reunite with him in eternal peace.
Nancy's warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on May 2, 2025 at 10:30am, with a reception beginning at 9:30am. In keeping with her always positive attitude, please feel free to dress in colors and Spring attire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nancy's honor to one of her favorite charities listed below.
- Lung Cancer Translational Center of Excellence gift fund: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MED&fund=603021 or by mail with checks payable to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania with a memo to the Lung Cancer TCE at: Penn Medicine Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Independence Mission Schools: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/34154/donations/new?donation_type=general or by mail to: Independence Mission Schools, PO Box 37012, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- The Seeing Eye: https://seeingeye.org/?form=Website or by mail to The Seeing Eye, PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963
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