Nancy Elinor Leach Ward, 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 5, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Born on October 7, 1931, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Nancy spent her younger years in New England. Throughout her life, she lived all across the United States and even abroad in Iceland and Spain, effortlessly making lifelong friends wherever she went. Nancy didn't just meet people; she formed deep, everlasting relationships. Everyone loved Nancy, and she truly loved and had a heart for people.
She eventually settled in Florida, where she spent several decades soaking in the sunshine of the Palm Bay area, before recently moving to Missouri to live next to her daughter. Nancy deeply cherished her family, friends, and community. She was also a dedicated advocate and lover of all animals, holding a particularly tender spot in her heart for cats, who always brought her immense joy.
Music was the heartbeat of Nancy’s life. An extraordinarily gifted and accomplished pianist and organist, she turned her passion into a lifelong calling as a piano teacher. Throughout her highly successful career, she shared the gift of music with students of all ages. Nancy was widely celebrated as a remarkably kind teacher with a heart of gold, remembered by generations of students who loved her dearly.
Nancy is survived by her sons, Steve Williams and Craig Williams; her daughter, Debi Williams and her husband, Russell; her beloved grandchildren, Kristine McAllister and her husband, Joel; Jason Williams and his wife, Amanda; Kelly Williams and her husband, John; Michael Williams and his wife, Alice; and Lindsey Williams; as well as many great-grandchildren whom she was very proud of and loved and adored dearly.
Nancy will be remembered for her sweet, gentle, and loving nature. Anchored by a profound faith, she loved the Lord deeply and left the world a much brighter, kinder place.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will take place at Fountainhead Memorial Park in Palm Bay, Florida, on August 29, 2026.
