Nancy Kay Gabriel

Nancy Kay Gabriel, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 after a long illness. She was born on August 17, 1937 in Fremont, Nebraska to Harold Henry Nigh and Lillian Martha (Junge) Nigh. Following the death of Nancy’s father when she was two years old, her mother married Sam Clark Ezell. Nancy’s childhood and teen years were then spent in Joplin and St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri in 1959 with a degree in English and having served as President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After living in Kansas City, Missouri then Westport, Connecticut, she and her family made their home in Overland Park in 1977.

Nancy held positions teaching high school English and in retail service, and took pleasure in supporting others during her 25 years of employment at Weight Watchers. She held a special love for bird watching, and enjoyed reading, music, sports, travel, theater, and participating in church life. She was active in many community circles including vocal and handbell choirs, bridge groups, bowling leagues, and PEO membership, but her primary devotion was to her family.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Bill (Karen) Gabriel of St. Louis, and Jim (Laura) Gabriel of Overland Park; five grandchildren, Katie (Shawn) Helmsing, Kristen Gabriel, Caroline Gabriel, Sarah Gabriel and Daniel Gabriel; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Helmsing and Hannah Helmsing. She also leaves several dear cousins and many treasured friends. All will miss her loving and gentle spirit.

The family would like to extend warm gratitude toward the caregivers at Silvercrest at Deer Creek as well as those at Kansas City Hospice.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1:00, with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 led by Rev. Lois Kelley. Interment will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Blue Valley Christian Church, or a charity of your choice.