Nancy L. Ruscoe, retired registered nurse

Nancy L. Ruscoe, 81, of Lewes, passed away at Delaware Hospice after a short illness Wednesday, April 3, 2024. She was born March 1, 1943, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Frank and Nellie (Barton) Laws.

Nancy was a graduate of H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School. She married the love of her life, Willis Ruscoe, in Lewes and the two spent many beautiful years together creating countless memories and raising their family.

A natural caregiver, Nancy’s life work was as a registered nurse, and she dedicated many years to her career and helping others. Her hobbies were active and constructive. A talented gardener, her green thumb was evidenced by her meticulously cared-for gardens, with a predilection for flower arrangements. Nancy had a lifelong passion for antiques and in her retirement, she pursued more of what she loved. She was artistic in painting ceramics, was excellent at tole painting, particularly on antiques, as well as an avid Mexican Train Domino player. Never one to stay idle, she practiced tai chi as often as she could. Although Nancy enjoyed all her hobbies, spending time with her family and friends was what she treasured most. She was a loving and devoted mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Willis E. Ruscoe. She is survived by her children, Christopher L. McDermott III of Lewes, and Sheila Goodchild (Leslie) of Newport; her stepchildren, Karen Ruscoe of Bear, Sharon Angell and Cheryl Ruscoe of Rochester, N.Y.;  her grandchildren, Kierney A. Goodchild, James Goodchild (Ashley Pierce) of West Grove, Pa., Amanda Aucoin (Michael) of New Castle, Michael Connelly (Amelia) of Camden Wyoming, Erin Connelly of Elsmere, and Justin Connelly of Williamstown, N.J.; her four great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Mike Ryan of Lewes.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 12, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Chapel Committal will follow at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

Visit Mrs. Ruscoe's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.