Nancy Eilene Pagano

Nancy Eileen Wereley Pagano, age 81 of Ooltewah, TN, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert William "Bob" Wereley and Margaret Lyon "Peg" Wereley, younger sister Marcia Jean Wereley Fay and younger brother John Stephen "Jack" Wereley.

Nancy was a devoted wife to Paul for 61 years, a loving mother to Shelley Pagano Arthur and Eric Stephen Pagano. She was a loving sister to her brother Richard Lyon Wereley, an adored grandmother of two, as well as a great grandmother of two.

Nancy lived a life marked by grace, kindness, loyalty, compassion, and quiet strength. Born in the small town of Newark, New York, she became emersed in the rights for others, earned her associates degree, and joined the "Legal Aid of East Tennessee" where she worked as the pro bono director spending decades caring for others who could not afford legal help. After retirement Nancy became a Court Appointed Special Advocate who represented the best interests of children in every stage of the Juvenile Court proceedings and served on the Foster Care Review Board.

She found joy in knowing people and was a member of many local groups, clubs, and organizations. Nancy had the gift of speaking to others in a manner where everyone felt welcome and valued. Nancy was an easy person to like and love. Her family will forever treasure her warmth, patience, wisdom, and contagious personality.

A service will take place at 1:00 PM Thursday March 5, 2026, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Rd Chattanooga, TN 37411. The family will receive friends in the church hall following her celebration of life.

Donations can may be made to Cancer Research in her memory.

Nancy's love was a steady presence through every season - a legacy that her family will carry forward with gratitude and pride.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.