Nancy Evelyn Keesler

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Walker (Robbins); stepfather, Claude Walker; and father, Elmer Wheeler.

She was born in Connecticut to Shirley and Elmer Wheeler, on February 2, 1953. She became a Florida resident in the mid-1950s and graduated from Leto High School in 1971. After graduating, she married and started her family. She had one child, William “Rocky”.

Nancy cherished all things family, from genealogy (dating back to 885), to frequent Connecticut visits, to traditional Saturday morning breakfasts with her aunties and uncle, game nights, and holiday gatherings. She loved visiting and spending time with her brother, Elmer, and his wife, Deborah, and looked forward to gardening and chatting with her son, Rocky. She loved to cook, whipping up a mean eggplant parmesan, or rivaling P.F. Chang’s infamous chicken lettuce wraps.

Naturally she kept numerous cookbooks and recipes catalogs, but her interest in books didn’t stop there. She was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed a good mystery thriller. Not only did she relish written adventures, she lived real-life ones, too.

Nancy loved to see the world, and some of her fondest travel memories were of her trips to the Great Wall of China and witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Her home was adorned with meaningful memorabilia and precious keepsakes. Throughout her travels, she always looked for special rhinoceros’ to bring back for her son’s collection.

Remembering and honoring family and friends was her top priority. Nancy recognized every occasion by sending beautiful greeting cards. She made all those close to her feel special and adored. She was a beautiful and sweet soul that will forever be loved and deeply missed.

Nancy is survived by her son, William “Rocky” Maschinot (Richell); brother, Elmer C. Wheeler (Deborah); and uncle, aunts, cousins, and many friends.

Nancy will be honored April 9, 2022, in a celebration of life gathering at The Tampa Elks Lodge #708 (3616 W Gandy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33611), where she was an active, dedicated member and past First Female Exalted Ruler (2001-2002). The doors will open at 2:00 p.m., with an official Elks Memorial Service taking place at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments and remembrances will carry through until 5:00 p.m.