Elizabeth Nancy Royle Pursino - known to all who loved her as Nancy - passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023. She was 69 years old and is survived by her devoted husband, Anthony Pursino (64, South Pasadena).
Nancy was born in Chester, in the county of Cheshire, in the United Kingdom to Alice and Cyril Royle October 29, 1954. She was a proud Brit, flying the England flag when the World Cup came around and sporting the three lions crest on hats and shirts. She is survived by her two sisters, Margaret “Maggie” Fowler (74) and Patricia “Pat” Royle (72), who still reside in their hometown of Runcorn, as well as many nieces, nephews and their children.
Nancy lived an incredible life, traveling all around the world and in her twenties alone lived in Paris, France, Dallas, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts before settling - for a time - in New York City. It was there, at Danceteria to be precise, that she met Anthony, whom she called “Raff” because she “liked it better.”
Nancy dedicated her life to taking care of others, working for more than 40 years as a childcare provider, both as a private nanny and eventually as proprietor of her own home daycare. She had taken care of seven infants before becoming a mother herself in 1986. She is survived by her daughter, Kaitlin “Kaity” (37, St. Petersburg), and preceded in death by her son, Joseph “Joey.”
Anthony - aka Raff - was her caregiver during the last 14 years as she fought the neurodegenerative disease Lewy Body Dementia. While the disease eventually took her smile and laughter from us, it could never rob us of the incredible time we spent being part of Nancy’s life. Her family will be hosting a celebration of her life on Sunday, November 19th, 2023, at the Shore Manor Clubhouse, 1888 Shore Drive S. South Pasadena, FL 33707, from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
