Nancy Rose (Strong) Burleigh

On July 3rd, as our nation prepared to celebrate its independence, the Burleigh & Strong families celebrated the life and legacy of a true American matriarch, Mrs. Nancy Rose (Strong) Burleigh, originally of Rutland, MA. Her life emulates that of what it is to be a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and near this Independence Day….an American. Throughout her time on this earth she experienced life in all its various facets…. happiness, joy, struggles, and sadness. She met her husband, Ron, as a young nurse’s aide, at his bedside during his recovery. It was love at first sight and that love endured throughout their entire 60 years together. Unable to have children of their own, they committed the ultimate act of humanity by adopting three children, providing them a life filled with love and laughter. The true spices of life! Nancy’s love had no borders, no lines to not cross, she spread it all around her wherever she went: from her friends as a young, beautiful woman in her early years, to her most recent friends that she met during her final years. Whomever she met, wherever she went, she opened her arms and greeted them with the same level of love and affection. She always preached to her children that there was good in everyone and to look for that goodness even though it may be beyond the surface. Nancy spent most of her life dealing with multiple sclerosis and was in a wheelchair for over 20 years. She also survived three different forms of cancer. Her resilience and positivity despite these circumstances was evident to all who met her. She never considered herself disabled and inspired all who knew her with her kindness, optimism and appreciation. Nancy loved to cook, especially bake, she will be remembered for her homemade bread and apple pie….the staple of her American spirit and foundation as a true Yankee. She will be missed by many, especially those she left behind. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ron, and is survived by her three children: David and his wife Wanda, Robbie, and Becky along with her partner Celia, whom Nancy loved like another child. Nancy had three grandchildren David Jr., Chris and Brittney and one great-grandchild, Alexis. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters. There will be a celebration of Nancy’s life at her daughter, Becky’s, home in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, July 6th from 5-8pm. Our family would really like to thank the caregivers at North Florida Regional Hospital, Shands Hospital, Park Meadows Rehabilitation Center, and Haven Hospice for their care and kindness. In addition, the friends Nancy made at Park Meadows were instrumental in adding joy to her last chapter in life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Haven Hospice of Gainesville and make a point to be appreciative and positive to pay forward Nancy’s amazing legacy.

Nancy Rose (Strong) Burleigh

May 5, 1938 - July 3, 2017