Nancy Lee Shillady

Nancy L. Shillady passed away at home in Ashland, VA, at age 83 on November 22, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was predeceased by her parents Rudolf and Agnes M. Knopf, sister Doris M. Freytag, brother Rudolf W. Knopf, and sister Shirley K. Baran. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dr. Donald D. Shillady; daughter Cindy L. Shillady (Philip) of Garland, NC; son Douglas N. Shillady of Ashland, VA; and daughter Amy L. Shillady (Matt) of Westminster, MD. She leaves behind beloved grandchildren Claire, Joe, and Anna Teachey and Madelyn and Will Frye, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews. Nancy was trained as a secretary at Peirce College in Philadelphia and studied at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA. She began her secretarial career at the University of Pennsylvania in the Electric Engineering Department where she met her husband, and she ended her career at the Mass Communications Department at Virginia Commonwealth University. After retirement, she volunteered in her church library, was involved in the Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES) nonprofit organization, and was active in AARP. Nancy was an avid reader, bird lover, Bridge and Mahjong player, Master Gardner, murder mystery fan, and friend to all. She was known for her sweet tooth and Scrabble skills and loved the weekly visits with faithful friends to play Yahtzee and Sorry. Nancy was cherished for her heart of gold, and her faith and courage facing dementia over the last several years was inspirational. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at https://www.theaftd.org/support-aftds-mission/. A visitation for Nancy will be held Friday, December 10, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 5087 - Nelsen Ashland, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. A graveside service will occur Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, VA 23069. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenAshland.com for the Shillady family.