Nancy Windsor Shealy passed away on August 19, 2025, in New York, NY. Born on April 1, 1952, Nancy’s life was marked by her desire to aid those in need of aid, and she used her fluency in Eastern European languages to help refugees in need. As a Program Specialist at HIAS INTERNATIONAL, where she was based in Rome, Italy for many years, her concentration was to assist displaced Eastern Europeans of all backgrounds to resettle into rebuilding their lives in the United States. Later, she spent 30 years of service at the New School of Social Research in New York City. She touched students and colleagues alike with her care and attention in the realm of the Political Science Department.
Nancy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1970. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Connecticut in 1974, and received a Ford Fellowship at the University of Indiana to continue her higher education.
Nancy was predeceased by her father William B. Shealy, her mother Margaret P. Shealy, and her brother-in-law Peter J. Harrington. She is survived by her brother Stephen Shealy of Cos Cob, Connecticut, and two sisters: Pamela Shealy Harrington of Riverside, Connecticut and Susan Shealy of Boston, Massachusetts, in addition to two nephews and 1 niece, to whom she was a devoted Godmother.
Nancy enjoyed nature and her many pets throughout life. She spent countless hours training for New York City marathons, and experiencing every day outside in every season. After retirement, she enjoyed extensive travel to many cultural and religious sites worldwide to recognize the deep meaning of the landmarks she visited.
A Memorial Service and Mass is scheduled for August 26 at 10:00 am at the Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena, Riverside Avenue, Riverside, Connecticut. Donations would be most appreciated in Nancy’s name at the ASPCA website under the heading Memorial Donations.