Livonia: Nancy passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at age 93. She was born on July 2, 1928, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, NY to the late Leo and Eleanor (Krenzer) Leslie. Nancy is predeceased by her beloved husband; Joseph E. Guilian, a local Potato Farmer (South Lima) from Livonia Center. Nancy and Joe married on May 21, 1960 at St. Michael’s Church in Livonia Center. She is survived by her children; Patricia (Roger) Brisbane, Mary Jo (Robert) Simpson, Monica Guilian (Alan Roome), Jerry (Brandy) Guilian, Joseph (Jamie) Guilian, Larry (Tammy) Guilian, her sisters; Carol (Thomas) St. James of Henrietta, NY, Margaret (David) Cannon of Dana Point, CA, her sister-in-law; Anna Giuliani of Livonia, NY, her 13 grandchildren; Jill (Brisbane) Whitmire, Robert, William, Angela, Joe, and Nick Simpson, Rebecca and Emily Guilian, Tim Kiefer, Tony Andrew, Tori (Andrew) Campbell, Lauryn and Jenna Guilian. 11 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Nancy attended St. Monica’s Catholic School and St. Augustine’s Catholic School in Rochester. She transferred to West High School, where she graduated with the class of 1946. She studied at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1949, and later Syracuse University School of Nursing, where she studied for three years in the field and was a member of a campus sorority. During her long career, Nancy worked as a registered nurse for the City of Rochester Public Health Dept., Cedar of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles, CA., the Livingston County Office of Public Health, Honeoye Falls-Lima School District, as well as Eastman Kodak. Closer to home, she worked for Dr. Brown in Livonia, the Conesus Lake Nursing Home, and the Livingston County Medical Center in Geneseo. She also was a nurse counselor for Park Ridge Hospital and VA in Canandaigua.
Nancy stayed active and was always up for an adventure with her husband Joe and their six children. Her many hobbies kept her busy and included sewing, arts and crafts, gardening and growing sunflowers and jade plants. Nancy also loved picking apples for her homemade applesauce and making her famous French toast for her children. Being an animal lover, she would make sure to leave enough in her garden for the deer, rabbits and other critters that would visit. When things settled down a bit, she enjoyed the simple pleasure of relaxing with her family.
Friends and family are invited to call from 3-6 PM on Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at St. Matthews Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road in Livonia. Interment will immediately follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery on Shelly Road in Livonia. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To share a memory or condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.