Nancy Carmella Boleen

Nancy Carmella (Faust) Boleen passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Orange Park, Florida on January 4, 2023, at the age of 77. She was a Brockway Pennsylvania native and daughter of Edward C. and Helen E. (Gallo) Faust.

Nancy was a 1963 graduate of Brockway Area High School where she was a cheerleader for the Brockway Rovers. She went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She loved rock and roll from its early days and one of the highlights of her life was seeing the Beatles on their first American tour. Nancy loved antiques and all things with a past. She co-owned an antique store in Brockway, Pa in the late 1970's. She was an avid reader and historian as well.

Growing up in Brockway, she loved being surrounded by her large family and particularly taking walks as a young child with her Nonno down the railroad tracks and all through Kearney Road.

She worked for Brockway Glass moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 1985 with the relocation of the corporate offices.

Upon retirement, Nancy, who was a talented and accomplished artist, continued honing her artistic skills and spent her time painting and giving art lessons. She was an excellent photographer and enjoyed capturing photographs of North Florida's tropical landscape and historic architecture, which she would then use as subjects for some of her artwork. She also spent time on the board of the Art Guild of Orange Park.

In her spare time, Nancy taught English as a second language at the Orange Park Library and enjoyed spending time with her loving family. She loved entertaining and making her Father's Old-Fashioned cocktails for her guests. She loved all animals and always had at least a couple of cats or dogs in residence her entire life.

Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, fun-loving attitude, and feisty spirit. She kept everyone entertained with her story telling of growing up on Kearney Road in Brockway PA in the 1940's and 50's and her "Hippie Days" in the 1960's where she hitchhiked around the northeast and participated in political protests. She was a free spirit and always lived life on her own terms.

She is survived by Patricia L. (Faust) Preston (sister), Matthew Faust DeSantis (son), Therese DeSantis (daughter-in-law), Katie DeSantis McCranie (daughter), Lee McCranie (son-in-law), grandchildren: Sean Doyle, Taylor Scardasis and her spouse Brandon Scardasis, Dante DeSantis, Paul McCranie, and Sylvia McCranie, great grandchildren: Grace Scardasis and Arya Scardasis, Brian Preston (nephew), Erin (Preston) Kennedy (niece), Pete (her loving cat), and Daniel W. Boleen (spouse).

Pursuant to her wishes, there will be no funeral or viewing. In honor of Nancy's life and lifelong love of animals please consider making a donation in her honor to the Safe Animal Shelter located at 2913 County Road 220, Middleburg, Florida 32068.