Nancy Dee Schell

She was born on October 29, 1931, in Cleveland Ohio to Frances and Myrtle Snyder and grew up in the city of Chicago. Nancy attended the University of Iowa, the University of Colorado and graduated from Rush University Medical System with a degree in nursing. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Russell Snyder, and her husband of over 60 years, Raymond “Buzz” Schell.

The family discovered Vanderbilt Beach in the 1950’s and vacationed there annually until relocating to Naples in 1983. With a passion for caring for others, Nancy and Buzz founded a home nursing business in 1984, Morning Star Home Health Care. The company grew to over 100 employees. She attributed her success to not only providing the highest standard of care to her patients, but also caring deeply for and valuing her employees and caregivers. Nancy dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. She had a deep faith and boldly shared the message of Christ’s redeeming love.

She is survived by her children: Amy Sciarrino, Beth DaSilva (George), Gary Schell (Lisa) and her honorary daughter, Catherine Allton, nine grandchildren: Darren DeVries (Alejandra), Lucy DeVries (Charles Zuaro), John DeVries (Hannah Franz), Corey DaSilva, Francesca Tomasi, Gabriella Tomasi, Emma Schell, Melissa Plowick (Timothy), and Melinda Schell (Sean Bailey), four step grandchildren: Billy Mroczka, Jenna Sciarrino, Lisa Sciarrino and Jessica Schumacher, and five honorary grandchildren: Brian Allton, Naomi Allton, Joshua Allton, Joseph Allton, and Zachary Allton. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren: Maira Aguilera, Ayden DeVries, Devin Zuaro, Josephine Zuaro, Nehemiah Novak, Angelo Arocho, Aiden Cole DeVries, and Mason Bailey.

Services will be held on May 22nd at 1pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery located at 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Arrangements are through Hodges Funeral Home located at 525 111th Ave N, Naples FL 34108.

Visitation will be held on May 21st between 7 and 9 pm at the DaSilva residence located at 4170 Mariner Ln, Bonita Springs, FL 34134. All who wish to offer condolences in person are invited to drop by.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Love A Child, Inc., PO Box 60063, Fort Myers, FL 33906 or donate online at loveachild.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Schell family.