Nancy was born in Natick, Massachusetts to Fred and Virginia Cole as the 2nd child of five and a proud Daughter of the American Revolution. She attended nursing school, gave birth to two children, Paul and Valerie, and eventually life brought her south to Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville, Florida. Here, she worked as a nurse in many different capacities, including the ICU, forming life-long friendships with a close circle of fellow nurses including Mitzy, Pat, Lynn, Julie, Mary and Corrie. While in Fernandina Beach, she also met the love of her life, Mr. Ed O’Rourke. After a thrilling first date set up by her future sister-in-law and dear friend Kay, and whirlwind courtship, they married and she gave birth to her third child Brian.
Second only to her family, Nancy’s passion was her career in nursing, where she focused on public health. She pioneered the Wellness Wagon, an RV equipped to provide health services to businesses and neighborhoods. After earning her doctorate, she enjoyed teaching thousands of nursing students as a Professor at JU and UNF. Her pursuit of higher education inspired many others to do the same. One of Nancy’s proudest accomplishments was joining the Army Reserves and serving as a unit nurse. Her Army Nurse hat was one of her favorite wardrobe accessories!
Helping others was a big part of Nancy’s life. In retirement, she was devoted to her church and donated many hours to the Celebrate Recovery program, helping those in need of food and support. She spent hours using her unique knitting skills making blankets for the homeless clients of Family Promise of Jacksonville. She was also a dedicated supporter of Springfield Kitty Cat Shack Rescue, and fed, captured, and helped neuter dozens of stray and feral cats.
Nancy was also a rabid fan of the Boston Red Sox and in recent years, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Nancy and Ed celebrated their 50th anniversary three years ago at a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game with their names proudly displayed on the jumbotron! She was also a fan of EVERYTHING Florida State University, Paul’s Alma Mater. Nancy’s many pastimes over the years included belly dancing, cake decorating, clowning, knitting, gardening, and Disney World where she spent so many happy days with extended family.
Nancy had a special eye for flower arranging and could make the many flowers of her garden shine in any vase on the table. She also had an infectious and jolly laugh that truly filled the room when she so often let it out. Nancy will be forever loved and missed by her husband Ed, her sister Debbie, her brother Walter, her son Paul (Kelly), her daughter Valerie, her son Brian (Lisa) and her four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition, her sister and brother-in-law Ray & Kay O’Rourke, niece Tammy Smith (Jeff) and their children Colin and Zachary, and so many beloved extended family members will always think of her with joy and affection.

Nancy’s Celebration of Life ceremony Nancy’s Celebration of Life ceremony will be held beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Avondale United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate in her name to the Springfield Kitty Cat Shack Rescue http://www.sprkittycatshack.org or any charity of choice.
The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Northside Hospice Care for their genuine sensitivity and professional yet loving care during the last week.