Nancy A. Purcell (Gieswein)'s Obituary
PURCELL, Nancy A. (Gieswein), age 79, of Centerville passed away peacefully Sunday, December 6, 2020, the Feast of St. Nicholas at home surrounded by her family.
Nancy was born December 12, 1940 in Covington, Kentucky to Jacob and Mary Ellen Gieswein. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Paul; two sons Paul Jacob (Shelly) Purcell and Peter (Kelly) Purcell; four daughters Cathy (Kevin) Duffy, Amy (Chad) Barklay, Jennifer (Jerry) Durbin, and Molly (Darren) Pollock. Her love continued to swell as she welcomed 22 grandchildren including Sean, Rose, Joe, Chris, Nick, Jacob, Chad II, Troy, Derek, Tyler, Jackie, Natalie, Michael, Sheilah, Christina, Katie, Johnny, Maria, Vinny, Blaise, Gianna, and Elizabeth; and 23 great grandchildren Patrick, Rosa, Dominic, Norah, Logan, Xavier, Stella, Delta, Lucia, Braelynn, Owen, Hudson, Jameson, Gabriel, Brooklyn, Austin, Ellie, Mia, Axton, Alyson, Avery, Tommy, and Garrett. There has been no greater joy for Nancy than to love each on of these little ones whom God entrusted to her!
Nancy was a loving, selfless, outgoing, saintly, and beautiful person. She lived her life humbly while using her talents to serve the Lord and bring joy to others. She studied voice at the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music. Her lovely soprano voice soon brought the attention of Rodgers and Hammerstein, who sent a letter inviting her to New York City to audition for upcoming productions. In addition, she sang in Cincinnati’s May Festival Chorus and with the Dayton Opera Association for several years. She sang with many famous entertainers including Roberta Peters. For fifty years, she sang locally with the choirs at Incarnation and St. Augustine Catholic Church. She also enjoyed performing for the Town Hall Players in Centerville.
Nancy was a strong advocate for family values and spent many years helping young women choose life. She was instrumental in organizing Dayton’s first pro-life organization, now known as the Dayton Right To Life. Her close relationship with Jesus prompted her to collect thousands of signatures to persuade the local cable company to air Mother Angelica’s Eternal Word Network for all to view in their homes.
With her growing family, she enjoyed yearly camping trips, relaxing visits to Norris Lake, and trips abroad to Rome, Fatima, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. But, her favorite place was home!
Nancy’s love for God’s creation opened her heart to all sorts of animals. As a young girl she rescued shaggy dogs and field mice. Along with her children, she enjoyed the company of ducks, rabbits, hamsters, dogs, birds, horses, and Mary the cat. She had no shortage of love for creatures both great and small.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 12 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Waynesville. Burial will be in Centerville Cemetery. Father James Manning will be celebrating Nancy’s life. The family will receive friends 4:00 - 8:00 PM Friday at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville and again 10:00 - 11:00 AM Saturday at St. Augustine Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elizabeth New Life Center and/or St. Augustine Catholic Church.
During this difficult time, if you are feeling ill or unhealthy in any way, you are encouraged to pay your respects in alternative methods, such as sending a sympathy card or sharing a memory though our online tribute wall. Be sure to bring your mask to wear while you are inside the funeral home and church. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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