Nancy Elizabeth Staffieri (Lushear), 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in the early morning hours of November 29, 2025.

Born on September 5, 1944, in Newton, New Jersey, Nancy was the daughter of Dr. Frank Herbert Lushear and Ruth Meeker Lushear. She grew up in Branchville, New Jersey, where she and her siblings spent their days outdoors, playing pranks and enjoying life. Known affectionately by her family as "Punky" because of her love for pumpkin pie, Nancy carried a joyful and spirited nature throughout her life.

Nancy graduated from Newton High School and earned her education degree from East Stroudsburg University. She spent more than 30 years living and teaching in northeastern Pennsylvania, working in the Delaware Valley School District in Pike County. During her years in the Poconos, Nancy embraced an active lifestyle, enjoying hiking, playing tennis, and camping in Maine with friends.

In the mid-1980s, Nancy married Richard "Rick" Staffieri, an English teacher. They shared a deep love of travel and adventure, returning often to Italy and visiting London, New York City, and many other destinations. Over the years, Nancy continued to explore the world, traveling to Iceland and Portugal, enjoying Viking Cruises, and even taking a cross-country train journey with a close friend.

Music was always an important part of Nancy's life. She played the flute in high school and later flute and bells at church, and she loved attending musical performances and shows in New York City. She also treasured time spent in Philadelphia with her daughter, Kathy, as well as visits with longtime friends from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

After retiring and seeking warmer weather, Nancy moved to Mount Dora, Florida in 2006. There, she rediscovered her passion for watercolor painting, taking lessons and sharing time painting in classes. A talented artist, she loved painting flowers, landscapes, and especially sunsets and sunrises. She was an active member of the Mount Dora Garden Club and a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora, where she played in the bell choir and served as both a Deacon and an Elder. Even as health challenges arose, Nancy faced life with grace and determination, always "putting on her big girl pants" and focusing on the good.

Nancy was caring, compassionate, optimistic, artistic, and generous. She is survived by her daughter, Katharine Lacken, her brother, Victor Lushear, and her sister-in-law and best friend, Nancy Lushear; and her beloved nieces and nephews and their families, Anna Peterson (Nelson), Erik, Mayes, Elsa, and Beckett Peterson; Adam Nelson, Megan, Alaina, and Jack Nelson; Aaron Lushear; Jennifer Gick (Lushear), Paul, Jonah, and Ruby Gick, Brian Lushear, Kara, Andrew, and Colin Lushear. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Staffieri, and her siblings, Joan Nelson and Lewis Herbert Lushear.

In honor of Nancy's life, donations to her favorite charities are welcome: the National Wildlife Federation and the National Arbor Day Foundation.