Honeoye: Nancy Lee Davis Gillen was born in Rochester, NY on May 23rd, 1952 to George and Mary Jane Davis (Shutt). She passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022.
Nancy broke her neck at the age of 16 and although she was confined to a wheelchair for the past 54 years, she was determined to live life to the fullest on her own terms. She was proud of her education, she graduated from Pittsford-Sutherland High School, then went on to receive her BA at The University of Miami (Florida).
Nancy had a very tenacious spirit. She was a lover of all things horses, she was an avid reader, she loved stories, 90 degree days and chocolate ice cream. Although she was a self-proclaimed introvert, people always seemed to gravitate to her optimistic point of view.
Nancy was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving sons: Scott (Linda), Brendan (Kaylee), grandchildren: Morgan, Michael, Isla, and Ellawynn. She is also survived by her brother, Robert O. Davis and many other loving family and friends.
We are grateful for the lessons she has taught us of determination, humility and patience and to never give up.
There will be a celebration of life in the Spring of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richmond Fire Department located at: 8741 Main St., PO Box 469, Honeoye NY, 14471. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I met Nancy in Florida while visiting a friend. Later on when I met my wife to be, I found out she was best friends with my wife’s sister. Nancy was in our wedding party and we kept in touch all these years. She was nothing but a wonderful, funny woman. I was so lucky to have met a woman as wonderful as Nancy and to be able to call her a friend. May she be finally walking again in heaven and reaching for the stars. Your friend forever, Mark
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
Linda Graves and Jim Emens
I am very sorry for the passing of Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with the Gillen and Davis families.
I met Nancy at a Garage Sale in the 1980’s. I worked with Kip at Kodak and he introduced us.
Nancy had a Beautiful Smile and a Lovely Personality.
Years later in the newspaper, I read about Nancy and her Dreams coming true with horses. I was so happy for Nancy.
Today I was sad to read of her death but so glad to have met her.
God Bless her family & friends!!!
First off my sympathy to the Gillan family. I had the privilege of taking care of Nancy for a few months. She was such a lovely person, always upbeat even in the situation she was in. I never once heard her complain, or feel sorry for herself. We had some wonderful conversations, laughs, and I am so happy I got to know her. She truly loved her family, her animals, her friends. I will always remember her beautiful smile, her courage RIP sweet Nancy, you will be missed by so many
I first met Nancy in the early 80s as the friend of her niece, Gretchen and got the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her. I have so many happy memories at their home – laughing, playing games, and admiring her for her strength and fortitude in spite of the struggles she faced. I know Nancy will be missed by so many but her memory will live on in her sons, her grandkids, and all of those who were touched by her life. God bless you, Nancy!
Nancy was probably one of the strongest people I have ever met. She frequently defined barriers and expectations and always laughed telling the stories of those adventures – in early rehab, in college, in Brazil, and locally. We met and became friends when she was Scott and Noah’s Cub Scout Den Mother. Our friendship grew as we volunteered together to support our kids programming and activities at school. Nancy rarely missed a meeting or event.
She was very proud of Brendan and Scott but also of the many other boys who were always around her. More recently, of course, we shared stories of what our children and grandchildren were doing. She was always so proud of them and involved in their lives!
In no way defined by disability, Nancy was a smiling, vibrant, active member of her family, church and community who will be remembered fondly and missed by many.
Wishing Scott, Brendan, Kip, and all the family the peace of happy memories.
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She always had a smile.
We remember your wedding. It was one of the most beautiful we have ever attended.
We will think of you frolicking in heaven.
Brandon I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your Mom. Prayers to you and your family.
I met Nancy when we were about 7 or 8 years old at riding camp at High View Farms in Pittsford (Mendon). We became fast friends and spent a great deal of time riding, caring for the horses on the farm, as well as playing at her house on weekends after our riding lessons. She had the best smile and a contagious, bubbly attitude towards every new adventure. I remember vividly, the day she told me her parents had purchased a horse for her. It was a dream we both shared, owning our own horse. If I remember correctly, he was named “The Professor”, a beautiful large thoroughbred that moved so gracefully whether cantering in the ring or going over the jumps set up so carefully by Jack Frohm. Nancy was an excellent equestrian and we both competed in many shows with one another. Over time, we lost contact, as we both moved on to different high schools. I had heard through acquaintances that Nancy suffered a life changing accident, I believe in the pool that we had had so much fun in on hot summer days.
I was so very sorry to hear what happened to my friend, and that we had lost touch over time.
I was in college out of state for a several years, however, one summer I was working at Sibley’s in Eastview Mall in the 70’s and just happened to see Nancy, in her wheelchair, shopping in the store. I approached her and told her my name. Almost immediately she began to smile and we chatted about all that we had done over the past years.
She hadn’t changed a bit..still friendly, sweet, smiling and engaged with life.
Shortly thereafter, I returned to school, graduated and moved to Boston, and never saw her again. However, I always wondered about Nancy, how she was or if she was still in Rochester. I continued riding and went on to own my own horses, and thought of her anytime I’d see a horse that looked the “The Professor”.
She had that kind of impact, that 50+ years later, I still thought of her and pictured her in my mind as we were when we were just young kids. I am glad to see that she had such a full life, married, had children and was greatly loved. I am sorry that she left you all too soon.
There are some people who come into your life, that you just don’t forget. For me Nancy was one of them. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Nancy,
Through the years we have had so many beautiful blessings. You gave me two amazing children and four beautiful grandchildren. You did all of this with grace. I still can’t believe you are gone. You were always there for me as my best friend and confidant. I’m sorry for everything I did , and everything I didn’t do. Please forgive me. Over all we had an amazing life together. God Bless You My Love!
Until we meet again.
Kip