Nanci Sarah Rickard

Nanci Sarah Rickard, aged 72, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on the afternoon of July 22, 2024, with her eldest granddaughter and one of favorite nurses, Arin, by her side, in Stanford, Kentucky. Nanci was born Saturday, October 13, 1951, was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was adopted shortly thereafter in Lansing, Michigan. 

Nanci, most notably known as Nana by her family and friends, is preceded in death by her parents, Guido (PapPap) and Angeline (Angie/Nonni) Sichi; her brother, Ronald (Ronnie) Sichi; and the father of her children, Ray (PeePaw) Rickard.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, William (Billy) Rickard and his spouse Dainelle Steenberg-Rickard of Charlotte, North Carolina; her daughter, Dawn (Renee) Dawe and her spouse John Neumann of Burnside, Kentucky; her granddaughter, Valarie Dawe of Charlotte; her grandson, Christopher of Burnside; her step-grandson, Jacob Neumann of Burnside; and youngest granddaughter, Violet Rickard of Charlotte.

Nanci was a selfless person, who always put others before herself, and rarely said no to serving others. She loved spending time with her family in which she enjoyed “toodling around”. Nanci was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. She hated to see others fighting and always played the role of mediator. Nanci was quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). Nana was always lifting others up with encouragement, even when she needed encouragement herself. She believed in the God who’s in the “Business of miracles” and faithfully knew that one day Yeshua would fully restore her body (which He now has).

Nanci learned how to cook authentic Italian food from her mother and adapted her mom’s recommendations for “appropriate” portion sizes. Nana loved to watch all kinds of family game shows, but specifically Family Feud and Jeopardy. Her favorite television show was The Golden Girls, which she enjoyed watching with her eldest granddaughter often. She loved going on “Starbucks runs” and always ordered a Strawberry Refresher. Memorably speaking, these “Starbucks runs” usually followed a “swooping trip”, at the local thrift stores. Starting early in her life, she enjoyed playing card games (Pinochle, Euchre, and Hearts) with her daughter and the DiNoble family, and later in life enjoyed playing Bingo. She was a part of Journey Church’s (Brandon, Florida) Joy Group, where they often went on adventurous outings. Throughout her time at Journey Church, she developed many lifelong friendships.

Nana Nanci was loved by everyone she met throughout her life. She leaves the legacy of servanthood for Jesus and others for those who knew her to carry on. Nanci was specially chosen by her parents, a forgiving sister to her brother, a patient wife, a wonderful mother to her children, a loving nana to her grandchildren, but most importantly, she was God’s Daughter and His “Little One”.

Cremation Rites have been honored.  A Private Celebration of Nanci’s life will be held, at a later date, in Tampa. 

Fox & Friend Funeral Home, Stanford, is entrusted with Nanci’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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