Nancy L. Price

With the passing of Nancy Price at 92 on October 22, 2023, at Vitas Hospice in Rockledge, our family lost a beloved mother to Nancy Schober, Kathleen Schilling (Walter), Deborah Williams (Robert), James McDermott (Josie), Sharon Barbins and Susan Bourst (Jeremy). She was a grandmother to Nicole Bothwell (Dan), Krista Pohorenec, Kelly Brandenburg (Dan), Brent McAuliffe (Morgan), Melissa Holman, Patrick McAuliffe, Adrienne Francisco (Todd), Shannon McDermott, Anya and Astrid Barbins, Madden, Mason, and Miles Bourst, and great grandmother to Sam and James, Izabella and Bo, Brynn and sister on the way, Tyler, Owen, Gavin, and Ethan, Payton, Mark and Allison, Connor and Reid. Nancy was an only child and is predeceased by her mother, Ruby Comins Cannon, and father, John Milton Cannon.

She is survived by her first husband, James McDermott.

From an early age, Nancy loved all things related to the care and love of animals, the farm and the outdoors. She grew up in Milford, CT, near a farm where she spent most of her time riding horses, driving a tractor at the young age of 13, and delivering milk and vegetables from that farm. In addition to the outdoors, she loved all things related to most any sport, but she was passionate about riding horses. She also became the first female lifeguard on Gulf Beach and Devon Park in Milford, CT. She ultimately rose to stardom playing forward on her Milford High School Girls Basketball Team and was a valued member of her swim team, often lamenting that she was born a generation too soon for college scholarships.

After raising four children, she went to nursing school in New Haven, CT, at St. Raphael’s. There, she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing certification. Subsequently, she trained for Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Care Unit at Milford Hospital in Milford, CT and Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, FL. Her excellent training and experience were utilized extensively, and she became the “go to” Nurse G’ma for all the family and veterinarian needs! Nancy was Dr. Pol before he became famous!

After moving to Melbourne, she met and married Norman Eliassen in 1972. Nancy was to become a mother two more times with the birth of Sharon and then Susan two years later. Her quiver was finally full!

In the earlier days while living in Melbourne, Nancy was a member of the United Methodist Church. She loved being involved in the choir and in the many productions and performances with fellow members. She was most blessed by participating in the several productions of the Via Dolorosa and Handel’s Messiah. After moving to Viera, she became a member of Advent Lutheran Church and continued her involvement with the choir. She loved Classical music, a trait that was inherited from her father, John.

In more recent years, she was a great fan of the UCONN Huskies Women’s Basketball team and even made it to the Final Four NCAA championships to watch her team win the National Championship. She was also a member of the bowling community. She enjoyed dozens of years on a women’s bowling team in Melbourne. She traveled widely with her bowling partners and even scored a 300 point game once. Her love of all sports and in particular, fishing, baseball, swimming, water polo and diving, steered many of her children and grandchildren to local, State, National and International recognition. She clearly was our biggest fan!

Nancy also had a very prolific green thumb. She enjoyed being a member of the Hibiscus Club in Melbourne and ultimately became President. She loved grafting new species and new colors and has numerous awards from the many shows in which she participated.

Nancy was a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and was a

Daughter of the Mayflower.

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice Care for the loving and tender care they gave our mother in her final week. They are truly angels from heaven sent to serve.

A visitation gathering will be held on Saturday, November 25 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955 with a service beginning at 11:00 am.

Guests are welcome to join the family for a reception gathering following the service.