We love you Mama.

For those who are here reading this, you loved her too. Thank you for the place you filled in our mama's heart.

Your forever adoring daughters,

Diane, Linda, Karen, Julie and Cathy

Nancy Kane Durkin

9/14/35 ~ 9/14/23

Nancy Kane Durkin, Lighthouse Point, FL, previously of RI, and originally from Worcester, MA, slipped away peacefully to heaven during the early morning hours of her 88th birthday, 9/14/2023. Her daughters surrounded her with their unwavering love over the years, weeks, days and hours leading to her eventual passing at her home in Webster, TX.

Nancy spent 32 devoted years married to her “Billy”, the late William Noon Durkin. Bill claimed when he first saw Nancy in grade school, at age 7, she looked like an angel and he knew one day he would marry her. Over four decades later, Nancy and Bill were reunited and enjoyed a wonderful and nearly inseparable life together. Whether spending time with her girls and their families, working the program with countless friends, boating, traveling, exploring, driving for hours to get an ice cream cone (or two), watching a sunset on Lake Tiogue or a Florida hurricane, or merely snuggling side by side, they shared an insatiable zest for life and for each other!

“We’re two lucky Irish kids”

was their mutual motto of gratitude.

Nancy was also predeceased by her loving and devoted eldest daughter, Diane Ferrara; siblings, Jackie Kane, Deanie (Leo) Sullivan, Sister Patricia Kane, Kathleen Green, brother-in-law John Sullivan; and grandchildren, Raymond Richard and Zoe Nancy Brox.

Left to cherish Nancy’s memory are her daughters and their families: Diane’s husband (Paul Ferrara) (granddaughters Alicia and Juliet); Linda Mottola (Tonino) (grandson Gabriele); Karen Edwards (Andy) (granddaughter Taylor Morgan [Zack], great-grandchildren Jordan, Anna, Thomas) (grandson Alex [Nikki]); Julie Santaniello-Brox (Bill) (granddaughters Georgia and Sophia); and Catherine Harrison (grandchildren Silas and Ruby).

Nancy is also survived by her beloved sisters, Pauline Sullivan and Dorothy Stephens (Michael), and an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Nancy was blessed with friends from all walks of life. In particular, she cherished and was cherished by the many friends of Bill W, whom she was honored to walk through life with, pouring out her experience, strength, and hope along the way.

Nancy was born on September 14, 1935, in Worcester, MA, to the late Patrick Kane and Geraldine (Shea) Kane. She attended both Worcester State and RI College and earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Nancy was a natural educator and excelled in the field of Special Ed, helping hundreds of children and their parents navigate the art of learning. Forever the student, Nancy devoured knowledge and then “gave back” to those in need. She was not only a supportive and inspirational mother and school teacher, but an educational diagnostician, case manager for special needs students, substance-abuse counselor, and court appointed special advocate in Family Court. She was actively involved in support groups throughout RI and FL for over 50 years. Her personal commitment to recovery and her vast experience in the field helped to change, some may even say “save”, many lives.

Nancy shared her fervent love of literature and film with all who knew her. She especially enjoyed reading aloud to anyone who was lucky enough to listen. Nancy had a keen mind, an exhaustive vocabulary, a quick wit and an incredible talent for writing. Her numerous journals, overflowing with remarkable writings, will be treasured by her family for generations.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, sponsor and friend. Her loving and generous nature ensured that all who knew her felt her guidance and continual support. She spoke frankly and loved fiercely, which led people to trust her counsel during their own personal growth. She shared her radiant smile easily and often, and knew how to lift others. Nancy’s profound desire was to follow the will of her heavenly Father each and every day. She trusted her Higher Power immensely, and toward the end of her journey with God, Nancy came to the beautiful knowledge of Jesus as the author and finisher of her life. Nancy left this earth knowing who she was and whose she was. Her life message continues on for others forevermore.

Thy Will be Done ~ Let Go and Let God ~ But for the Grace of God

were sayings woven into her very being and Nancy truly dedicated her life to living these principles…

“One Day at a Time“

Please join us on Zoom for:

Nancy’s Celebration of Life

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

6:00 pm ET

Go to: zoom.us

ID: 883 6769 4309

Password: Sponsor