Nancy Schell Cone, 74, Beloved Leland, WI Native, Dies on October 1, 2024: Cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend Leaves Behind a Legacy of Love, Joy, and Warmth – Obituary, Death
Nancy Schell Cone, a lifelong resident of Leland, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, at the age of 74. A woman whose radiant energy and kind spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, Nancy’s passing has left her family, friends, and community in deep sorrow. She lived a life full of love, warmth, and joy, and her presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of being part of her world. The loss of Nancy is a profound one, but her memory will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.
Born on December 12, 1950, in Leland, Wisconsin, Nancy grew up in a family where kindness, love, and community were central values. Her parents, Howard and Elizabeth Schell, were well-known members of the Leland community and raised Nancy with a strong sense of responsibility toward others. From a young age, Nancy exhibited the warmth and generosity that would define her throughout her life. Whether it was helping a neighbor in need or bringing joy to a friend with her infectious smile, Nancy had an innate ability to make people feel loved and appreciated.
Nancy attended Leland High School, where she made lifelong friends and was adored by her teachers and peers alike. Her friendly and welcoming nature made her a popular student, and she was involved in various extracurricular activities, including drama, choir, and the school’s community service club. Her classmates often recalled how Nancy’s laughter could brighten any room and how she had an incredible talent for bringing people together. She was always the first to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word, traits that would follow her throughout her life.
After graduating high school, Nancy attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a degree in education. It was during her time at university that Nancy developed a passion for teaching and for nurturing young minds. Upon graduating, she returned to Leland and began her teaching career at the local elementary school, where she became a beloved figure among her students and colleagues. Nancy’s dedication to her students was unwavering, and she took great pride in her work as an educator. She believed deeply in the importance of fostering creativity, kindness, and a love of learning in children, and her impact on generations of students was immense.
In 1974, Nancy married David Cone, the love of her life. Their marriage was a true partnership, built on mutual respect, love, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they raised two children, Sarah and Andrew, who were the center of Nancy’s world. Nancy’s devotion to her family was unmatched, and she poured her heart and soul into raising her children, always striving to be the best mother she could be. Her love for David, Sarah, and Andrew was boundless, and she took great joy in creating a warm and loving home for her family.
As a mother, Nancy was patient, nurturing, and endlessly supportive. She was always there to offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. Her children often spoke of how she had an uncanny ability to make everything better, no matter the situation. Whether it was helping with homework, offering words of wisdom, or simply being a comforting presence, Nancy was the rock of her family. Her love extended beyond her immediate family, as she also became a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren, Emily, Jack, and Ava. Her grandchildren adored her, and Nancy cherished every moment she spent with them, from baking cookies in the kitchen to reading bedtime stories.
Nancy’s loyalty and love extended not only to her family but also to her wide circle of friends. She was known for her deep friendships, many of which spanned decades. Her friends described her as someone who was always there when you needed her, whether for a shoulder to cry on or to share a moment of joy. Nancy had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel valued, loved, and understood. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she always made time for the people she cared about.
Throughout her life, Nancy was also a pillar of her community. She was involved in various volunteer efforts, always eager to give back to the town she loved. From organizing charity events to volunteering at the local food bank, Nancy’s commitment to helping others was evident in everything she did. Her community work earned her the admiration of her peers, and she became a well-known and well-loved figure in Leland. Nancy’s generosity and compassion left an indelible mark on her community, and her absence will be deeply felt.
In addition to her work in the community, Nancy had many personal interests that brought her joy. She was an avid gardener, and her garden was her sanctuary. She took great pride in tending to her flowers and plants, and her garden was always a sight to behold. Friends and family often commented on how her garden was a reflection of her personality—beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. Nancy also loved cooking and baking, and she was known for hosting family gatherings and dinners, where her delicious meals brought people together.
Nancy was also a talented artist, and she spent many hours painting and creating art. Her artwork, which often reflected the natural beauty of the world around her, was admired by all who saw it. Her creativity was yet another way in which she spread joy and beauty to those around her. Whether through her teaching, her volunteer work, her art, or simply her presence, Nancy had a profound ability to make the world a better, brighter place.
On October 1, 2024, Nancy passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. Her death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on. Her family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time, and they are comforted by the many memories they have of Nancy’s remarkable life.
As they mourn the loss of Nancy, her loved ones are also celebrating the life she lived. They remember her laughter, her kindness, and the way she made everyone feel like they mattered. They remember the joy she brought to every gathering, the love she poured into every relationship, and the unwavering strength she showed throughout her life. Nancy was a woman who lived fully and loved deeply, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2024, at the Leland United Church, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Nancy’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to a local charity that supports education, a cause that was close to Nancy’s heart. Her family hopes that, through these donations, Nancy’s legacy of nurturing young minds will continue to thrive.
As the community of Leland says goodbye to a beloved figure, they take comfort in the knowledge that Nancy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and generosity, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
