Nancy Kay Weiser

Nancy Weiser was born on July 5th — a date no one ever forgot, especially because she made sure to celebrate it every year with a party! Born and raised in Decatur and Danville, Illinois, Nancy enjoyed a storybook childhood. As the youngest, with a brother ten years her senior, she often said she had the attention of an only child, but with all the benefits of a big brother.

Nancy attended college in Iowa, where she met her soulmate, a New Yorker named David Weiser. Their courtship was lovingly carried out through handwritten letters, and they were married in 1965. The couple built their life together in Rochester, New York, where they welcomed their first child, John, in 1966, and five years later, their daughter Julie. The family wasn’t complete until they added Christy Raisin, a cherished cocker spaniel.

In 1978, Nancy and David relocated to Lehigh Acres, Florida, to be closer to her parents, Roy and Charlotte Gates. David worked as an engineer while Nancy dedicated herself to teaching children with special needs — a calling that matched her compassionate heart. Her joy multiplied when Julie gave birth to three beautiful grandchildren: Jessica, Jiana, and Joseph. Nancy adored being a mother, but she loved being a grandmother most of all.

Faith was central to Nancy’s life. A lifelong member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lehigh Acres — where her parents had been founding members — Nancy served in many capacities: choir member, Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, and later, Elder Emerita, an honor marked by a special ceremony. In 2003, she became Board Chair and was instrumental in helping the church become one of the first Open and Affirming congregations in Florida. She was a quiet but constant advocate for equality, championing LGBTQ+ rights within the Christian Church (DOC), promoting inclusion for children with disabilities, and fostering interfaith harmony between Christians and Jews.

Nancy was also passionate about quilting, a creative outlet that brought her deep joy and strong friendships — especially with fellow quilting companions Joseph and Velma.

After losing her beloved husband, David ("Mr. Wonderful"), to COVID-19 in 2021, Nancy’s health began to decline. In 2023, she moved into Lehigh Assisted Living, where she found new friendships and continued to shine. Sadly, after a battle with RSV in October 2024, her health never fully returned. With characteristic strength and grace, Nancy passed away during Mother’s Day weekend in 2025 — a fitting tribute to a woman who embodied the spirit of motherhood, love, and community.

Nancy was predeceased by her loving husband David Weiser; her parents Roy and Charlotte Gates; and her nephew Doug ("Charlie") Gates.

She is survived by her children: John Weiser (Duane Rinde) and Julie Lanza (John Lanza); her grandchildren: Jessica Lanza (Max), Jiana Lanza (Dylan), and Joseph Lanza (Rachel); her siblings: Charles and Rose Gates, and Paul and Marianne Weiser; her nieces and nephews: Nicholas and Isa Weiser (children Jackson and Evan), Alex and Maureen Higgins Weiser (children Violet Kay and Georgina Margaret), Jon Gates, and Christy Gates (daughter Cassidy Rose).

Nancy’s life was a beautiful tapestry of family, faith, and fierce compassion. She is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A visitation for Nancy will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.