Nancy L Lisby

Nancy L Lisby, a beacon of warmth and dedication, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 89 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on November 30, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Theodore and Ormula Gilman, Nancy's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to family, service, and community.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Paul Drew Lisby, her parents, her sister Pauline Kay Todd, and her niece Sandra Kay Hempel. Her legacy continues through her loving children, Susan D Michna, Charles (Melanie) Lisby, Timothy (Annette) Lisby, and Barbara Lisby. Nancy's joy and pride were her grandchildren: Tim, Daniel (Francine), Kevin (Crystal), Jeremy (Sydney), Mathew (Katelyn), Alison (John), Jessica (Jarrad), Scott (Anna), and Lacey. The family tree further blossomed with her 17 great-grandchildren, who will carry on her spirit of love and compassion.

An alumna of Bowling Green State University, Nancy's professional life was as impactful as her personal one. In 1981, she began her journey as a volunteer executive director for The Center for Abuse & Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.), later becoming its first executive director in 1983. For over 20 years, she dedicated herself to the organization before retiring in 2000. Her tireless work did not go unnoticed, as she was honored with the 6th Annual Riley Award in 2015 in recognition of her five decades of leadership, volunteerism, and community service.

Nancy's commitment to her community was further demonstrated through her roles as past president of the Punta Gorda Historical Society and her long-term memberships with the Zonta Club of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, as well as the Charlotte Harbor Rotary Club. Her unwavering dedication to these organizations reflected her belief in the power of collective effort and community betterment.

Nancy's interests were as vibrant and varied as her career in community service. Her passion for gardening was matched by her love of baking, especially her renowned old-fashioned good cookies. An avid traveler, Nancy delighted in exploring new cultures and histories with her beloved husband, Drew, by her side. Together, they created a tapestry of memories across Portugal, England, and Spain, enriching their lives and the stories they shared.

Nancy L Lisby's life was a testament to her belief in kindness, hard work, and the importance of leaving the world a better place. Her generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we take comfort in the knowledge that her influence will continue to be felt through the countless lives she touched and the enduring impact of her contributions to her community.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, at 11am with a funeral service to follow at 12pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Following services at the funeral home a committal service will be held at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens at 1:30pm located at, 27200 Jones Loop Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to https://carefl.org/.

Checks can be mailed P.O. Box 510234, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0234.