Nancy Therese Russotti

Nancy Therese Russotti, 63 of Prescott, AZ

Peacefully gained her Angel Wings on New Years’ Eve, 2024 at her home in Prescott, surrounded by loved ones. 

Nancy was born in Staten Island, NY, and grew up in Essex Center, VT. It was obvious early on that Nancy was a fearless adventurer, always smiling and ready for fun. She loved hiking, camping and skiing in the Green Mountains with her family and friends. 

Nancy pursued her love of nature by heading out to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming in 1981, where she worked at the Old Faithful Inn and in Jackson Hole. Her days off were spent exploring the back country of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, making lifelong friends wherever she went. She then returned to New England and obtained her Outdoor Leadership Certification in 1987 at Greenfield Community College in MA, where she first heard about Prescott College. She was very proud of her 2 years spent working for Outward Bound in North Carolina with troubled teens as a Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, and White Water Rafting Instructor. 

 Nancy moved to Prescott, got her BA in Education from Prescott College in 1990, then later a MA in Social Work. She taught elementary school in rural AZ before beginning her career with Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott and Prescott Valley, where she worked in the Family Resource Center for 23 years. She was hired in the early 1990s in the Healthy Family Program as a Family Support Specialist (FSS). She advanced to levels II and III and to FSS Supervisor. Nancy worked with hundreds and hundreds of families; single mothers, married or unmarried couples, households with many children, or a first baby only. Sometimes grandparents were involved. All were unique and special, and all loved Nancy's visits for her cheerfulness and knowledge. As a Supervisor she guided other FSS’s, offering praise and encouragement. 

In 2012, Nancy began several journeys with cancer, and every time, she strengthened her resolve to do every good thing she could to get through it. She took her lessons and passed them on to all of her friends and family, in preparing better diets and nutrition to optimize health. She wanted us all to know the greatest lesson she learned from this final journey: Self-Love. 

One of her oldest friends said it so well: “Nancy was so loved by everyone who knew her. She was that lighted candle in the dark that the spiritual Masters speak about. She was just radiant with joy. Her smile was a blessing bestowed on everyone. She will be remembered lovingly as an Angel of Nature, a lover of life. She is not gone. She is everywhere.”

OUR NANCY, Mischievous, adventurous, upbeat, always smiling, lover of Angels, creeks, Prescott lakes, blue skies, storm clouds, new spring leaves, golden and orange autumn leaves, her close-knit family and numerous friends far and wide, old and new; chess games, jewelry making, kayaking, photography, crystals, morning Coffee meetings at Wild Iris or the Raven Cafe, concerts, playing guitar, singing, dancing to local bands wherever they might be...Lover of the entire Southwest and her home state of Vermont as well. Italy melted her heart and is where she foraged for pieces of her heritage. Swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii on her 50th birthday was one of the highlights of her life. 

Nancy leaves behind her beloved dog, Merlin Sky Forest; her mother Annmarie Russotti, sister Janice Russotti and husband Shane Bowley, brother Ron Russotti and wife Lori of VT; Nancy’s trusted companion of 10 years, Lloyd Yarbrough of Cordes Junction, AZ, and his 7 children and 5 grandchildren; nieces Alicia Russotti, Sophia Russotti Pigeon, and Sarah Bowley, nephews Nicholas Russotti and Peter Bowley, all of VT; her dear uncle Philip Florio and many cousins in NYC and NJ. Nancy was pre-deceased by her father Salvatore Russotti in 2000. She also leaves her whitewater rafting buddy Jim Reilly, her close neighbors Patty, Betty, Sudra and Mary; her many near and dear friends in AZ; dear friends in VT, Barb Gregoire, Chris McSoley, Donna Mathieu, Mo Stanton, Deanna Drew, and the entire Halpin family; and last but not least, her long-time dear friend, helper and dog-walker, especially these last 2 years, David Blanchard, also of Prescott.

Nancy’s family expresses sincere gratitude to her medical providers: Dr. Kerry Malin, Dr. Donn Davis, Robert Millisen, ND., Dr. Alan Espinoza and staff at AZ Oncology, including Nurse Navigator Johanna Wall and Kristen Crum, social worker; the caring staff at Arizona Life Palliative Care, and at Maggie’s Hospice of Prescott. 

A Celebration of Nancy’s amazing Life will be held this Saturday, 1/11/25 at 1 pm at Center for Spiritual Lifestyle, 3755 Willow Creek Rd., Prescott. There will be another Celebration of Life in VT this Spring. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be dropped off or checks mailed to: 

NOAH Thrift Shop, 

603 S. Granite Street, Prescott AZ 86303. 

NOAH is non-profit supporting local animal rescue organizations.