Nancy Morse Stringer

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Nancy Morse Stringer on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Nancy died peacefully at her home in Winter Park, surrounded by her children. Nancy was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and a dedicated and gifted educator. Born on October 24, 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nancy graduated from Miami Edison High School and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1958 from the University of Florida. She obtained a Master’s degree in Education in 1980 from Rollins College. She met her husband Jack while in high school and they married in 1957 starting a treasured journey together for over 60 years raising five children. They moved to Winter Park from Miami in 1963 where they built a strong foundation based on faith, family and community at St. Margaret Mary parish. Nancy’s career as an educator spans some 40 years. She began teaching at St. Margaret Mary (SMM) Catholic School in 1968 and remained teaching there until she became the school’s Principal in 1981. During her 23-year tenure as Principal, Nancy oversaw the transformation of SMM into one of the premier institutions of Catholic education in Central Florida. She ensured that children of all backgrounds and means had the opportunity to attend and thrive in the culture of love, support and educational excellence that she nurtured there. Nancy had a profound impact on the lives of an untold number of her students during her career. Her kind and gentle demeanor touched thousands and she was beloved by many. After retirement in 2004, she enjoyed traveling with Jack, tending to her orchids and roses, and spending time with her 15 grandchildren at the “Stringer Ranch”. To her children and grandchildren, Nancy was a constant source of unconditional love, inspiration and guidance. With devotion to family and deep faith, Nancy and Jack created a vibrant and loving home for their children. In death, Nancy is at last reunited with her husband Jack. She is survived by her children, Douglas (Ivana) of Paris, France, Donald (Catherine) of Vancouver, WA, Jacki Bussey (Ben) of Jupiter FL, Mary McNerney (Kevin) of Columbia, SC, and Beth Tiernan (Chris) of Valrico, FL, her sister, Priscilla Ropp of Boca Raton, FL and her 15 grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as “Grammy”. She was also beloved by Ann DeFrancesco of Portland, OR and Darby Holmes-Stringer of Ellensburg, WA. The family will receive friends Monday evening, January 16th at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park between 6 pm and 8 pm with prayer service at 7 pm. A funeral Mass officiated by the Rev. Richard M. Walsh, will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 17th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Nancy Stringer St. Margaret Mary School Scholarship Fund.

Nancy Morse Stringer

October 24, 1936 - January 5, 2023