Nancy Ellen Reese

Nancy Ellen Steinke Reese

Nancy Ellen Steinke was born in Orange County Florida at Orange Memorial Hospital on April 29, 1953. Her mother was Wanda Mae White and her Father was Silvinus (Butch) John Steinke. She had one older brother Richard, (Rick).

She was baptized on May 31. They lived in Apopka and she went to St. Charles grade school and later Bishop More High school class of 71. She was very close to her grandmother who taught her crafts like embroidery, quilting and tatting. She enjoyed life with her best friend Sue lounging by their pool and riding horses through the orange groves and fields.

She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Animal science

While at UF she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Reese, at the Catholic Student Center. They were married on March 17, 1977 at St Francis of Assisi Church in Apopka. After graduation they made their home in Charleston SC. Nancy worked for the Medical University in medical research and Jim worked at Charleston Naval Shipyard. They had one Son, Matthew. When the grant ended at the Medical University Nancy moved to work in retail pet stores. She managed several different pet stores in the Charleston area. She also began to renew her love of embroidery.

The shipyard began closure in 1993 and they moved to Warner Robins GA. where Nancy began working for PetSmart. She was a manager in Macon and later opened the Warner Robins store which did very good under her leadership. They wanted to move back to Florida to be near Jim's mom and in 2005 they moved to Niceville. Nancy was the opening manager for the Destin PetSmart and managed it until she retired.

She was very active in Holy Name of Jesus Church where she served in several ministries. She was very active with the parish rummage sales, sorting, and pricing things all week then acting as cashier during the sale. She was active in the Ladies Sodality filling leadership rolls whenever needed. She was a key person in the Angel Tree ministry every year. She also began to devote a lot more time to embroidery with the local embroidery group. She enjoyed getting together with them in person and during Covid on Zoom and continuing regular zooms afterwards as well as many get togethers. They also often traveled to stitching events and for classes. With retirement Nancy and Jim also enjoyed traveling. They took many trips to tour the states. They also bought property in Niceville and built their dream house.

Nancy is joining her parents Wanda and Butch Steinke and brother, Rick, in heaven. She is survived by her husband Jim, her son Matthew and wife Clicy and their children Kaelen, Carrie and Alora and their grandchildren Kingston and Sorin. Also her Sister-in-law Pam and 6 of Jim's brothers and sisters and their families.

Funeral will be January 15 at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 10 AM. Viewing and visiting with the family will be one hour before. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Niceville Catholic Outreach or Holy Family Catholic Academy.