Nancy Barbara Zion Thomas

Born on July 20, 1949, Nancy grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, before making South Florida her home in the 1970s. A New Yorker through and through, she carried her unmistakable spirit, quick wit, and vibrant personality wherever she went.

Nancy was an intelligent, sophisticated, and compassionate woman with an extraordinary curiosity about the world. She had impeccable taste, a lifelong love of learning, and a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether someone had known her for five minutes or fifty years, Nancy had a way of making them feel genuinely special. Throughout her life, Nancy pursued a variety of careers that reflected her versatility and love of people. She worked for a rabbi, sold artwork, spent many years as a licensed massage therapist, and later worked in sales at Nordis until her retirement.

Retirement opened the door to new adventures. Nancy became an accomplished poker player, earning a remarkable second-place finish among 4,756 entrants at the 2017 Lucky Hearts Poker Open at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. Beyond the competition, poker brought her a wonderful community of friends. More recently, she discovered a love of mahjong, introduced to her by her sister-in-law, DuGue. Nancy had a lifelong passion for music, theater, art, dancing, reading, and travel. She valued a healthy, active lifestyle, making regular trips to the gym and thoughtful nutrition part of her routine. Her love of the performing arts was also reflected in her involvement with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. One of her final adventures was a long-awaited Chris Botti jazz cruise, which she shared with her beloved partner, Jerry.

Above all, Nancy treasured her relationships. She maintained friendships that spanned decades, some reaching all the way back to childhood. She was fiercely loyal, generous with her time and wisdom, and never one to hold back an opinion. Those who loved her knew they could count on her honesty, whether they agreed with her or not. She was the friend who showed up, who listened, who 0offered advice, and who loved wholeheartedly.

Those closest to Nancy knew that one of her greatest sources of pride was her daughter, Chelsie. Their relationship grew from mother and daughter into a cherished friendship, filled with

hared adventures, laughter, and a lifetime of memories. Becoming grandmother brought Nancy another extraordinary joy. Affectionately known as “Lala” to her granddaughter Elizabeth, she embraced that role with tremendous love, patience, and enthusiasm, sharing her passion for music, theater, learning, and life itself.

Nancy shared many years with her late partner, Elliot “Lee” Fiengold, whom she had known since their teenage years. In more recent years, she found happiness, companionship, and adventure with Gerald “Jerry” Myers. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Chelsie Maccarone; son-in-law, Scott Maccarone; beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth Maccarone; her partner, Gerald “Jerry” Myers; and her brothers, Steve Zion and Aric Zion, along with extended family and a remarkable circle of friends who became family.

Nancy leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind a little of her light in every person whose life she touched.

In keeping with Nancy's wishes, family and friends attending her funeral are encouraged to wear purple. She wanted a sea of purple, a reflection of the vibrant life she lived and the love she inspired.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Star of David Memorial Gardens in North Lauderdale, Florida.

A separate celebration of Nancy's life will be held at a later date, with details to follow