DAMARISCOTTA, ME — Nancy Louise Heely, 70, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. Nancy was born on February 11, 1955, in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she later graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from East Carolina University, Nancy spent a multi-decade career in advertising first in Winston-Salem, NC, and then in Norfolk, VA, working as both a freelance artist and a staff member at small advertising firms, most notably Polizos in the 1980s and later at Ethicom Associates. Throughout her career, Nancy employed her many creative talents in visual design and wordsmithing, winning multiple awards for her work.

In 2009, Nancy pivoted professionally, putting her sharp writing skills to use as a technical writer and copy editor for a Department of Defense contractor—work that eventually brought her to England, where she lived from May 2014 until her retirement in February 2022. Nancy treasured her time abroad, particularly her years living in Northamptonshire. Because Nancy was a lifelong Jane Austen fan, this chapter of her life embodied Austen’s words: “If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” She found adventure in this season of life and deeply loved her time traveling in London, Salzburg, Rome, and many other places. In March 2022, Nancy returned to the United States and retired to the Midcoast Maine area.

Creativity was central to Nancy’s life. In her youth, she was involved in acting on stage or using marionettes in community as well as high school productions. As an adult, she sang in the Cantata Chorus and Trinity Episcopal Church choir in Tidewater, VA. As a multitalented visual artist, Nancy’s work included sketching, painting, hand-painted tablecloths, photography, and handcrafted birdfeeders. She loved attending live performances and was particularly fond of musicals. Nancy joyfully passed these passions and appreciations on to her children. In addition to her many interests, she completed several marathons and half marathons, proudly coached by her younger brother Jack.

Nancy lived fiercely, laughed frequently, and loved ferociously. She always had a witty pun, a book recommendation, a cup of tea, a fun fact about film or music, and a hug to share. She is greatly missed by her siblings: Ann Heely (Tampa, FL), Bill (Ann Hall) Heely (Yorktown, VA), Peggy Heely (Pittsburgh, PA), and Jack (Missy) Heely (Willow Grove, PA). Her daughter, Paige Walker (Dearborn, MI), is honored to carry on her memory, creative spirit, and joie de vivre. Nancy’s son, Van Greer Walker, passed away unexpectedly in May 2024. Her family is grateful that Nancy is now at peace following her battle with frontotemporal dementia.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Trust (England), Bluefield Project to cure FTD, or the Chrysler Museum of Art (Virginia) in Nancy’s honor.  Memories and condolences may be shared with her family on her tribute wall.