Nancy Ann Stuart

Nancy Ann Stuart, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in her apartment at The Historic Lodge in Lewes, Delaware. She died of natural causes with both of her daughters by her side.

Nancy was born in Denver, Colorado, to Helen and John Stuart. She and her younger brother, Michael, were raised in Colorado, where Nancy developed a love of skiing, the outdoors, and adventure. After graduating from Immaculate Conception High School in 1951, she earned a two-year certification as a Radiologic Technologist in 1953, a profession she practiced with dedication for many years.

Soon after beginning her career, Nancy moved to California, where she met Fred Edward Severo. They fell in love, married, and together raised five children: Shauna Marie Severo (born 1954), Michael Paul Severo (born 1955), Patrick Scott Severo (born 1959), Michele Ann Severo (born 1961), and John Stuart Severo (born 1963).

Nancy and Fred's life together was marked by travel and curiosity about the world. They lived in several states and spent four memorable years overseas in Taipei, Taiwan. During that time, they traveled throughout Asia, including trips to the Philippines, Japan, and Hong Kong. Life in Taiwan created many cherished family memories-summer vacations with friends in rustic beach cabins, weekends at the Grand Hotel, and lively family dinners at an open-air Mongolian barbecue restaurant near the Tamsui River.

In 1964, the family returned to the United States and settled in Fairfax, Virginia. Nancy balanced raising five children with working full time as a Radiologic Technologist at Commonwealth Hospital. Nancy and Fred remained married until 1972.

In 1974, Nancy married William LoPorto. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Callao, Virginia, in the Northern Neck, where they built a home on the water, purchased a sailboat, and embraced coastal life along a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Following William's death on November 23, 2002, Nancy relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she lived for the next twenty years.

During this period, Nancy rekindled her passion for painting, favoring watercolor over oil. Much of her artwork reflected her love of travel and nature, especially tropical landscapes.

Education remained an unfulfilled dream for Nancy until later in life. At age 60, after raising her children, she enrolled at the University of Mary Washington to pursue a degree in Social Work. Through the university's Bachelor of Liberal Studies program, which recognizes life and work experience, Nancy earned sufficient credit to complete her bachelor's degree in just two years. She went on to earn a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and began a new career as a mental health counselor at age 64-an age when many are considering retirement. Her determination and compassion defined both her personal and professional life.

In December 2023, Nancy moved to The Lodge at Historic Lewes, where she spent the final years of her life. During that time, she formed many meaningful friendships and often spoke of the loving, close-knit community she found there. She was deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the dedicated and professional staff. In her final days, Nancy was surrounded by devoted caregivers, bound together by a shared sense of love, dignity, and respect.

My mother wanted the following to be shared with her loved ones: "I loved my family with all my heart and soul. I cherished life and devoted myself to being a loving mother and a faithful Catholic. I hope my family remembers the joyful and treasured moments we shared."

She also stated that, instead of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's, Little Sisters of the Poor, or the Wounded Warriors Program.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Helen and John Stuart; her brother, Michael Stuart; her first husband, Fred Severo; and her second husband, William LoPorto.

She is survived by her five children: Shauna Severo; Michael Severo and his wife, Barbara; Patrick Severo and his long-term partner, Angie Hudson; Michele Severo; and John Severo. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Quin Severo, Max Severo, Sydney Severo, and Morgan Bedard and her husband, Daniel Bedard; and by her great-grandchild, Madison Bedard. Nancy will be remembered for her resilience, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and deep devotion to her family. Her life was one of continual growth, adventure, and quiet strength, and she leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and love.

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