Nanci E. Purcell

Nanci E. Purcell, 63, of Clarks Summit, passed away on May 27th at Shore Medical Center, Somers Point, NJ.

Born in Santa Monica, California, she was the daughter of the late Robert P. and Madelyn Mayer Purcell. She was a 1980 graduate of Abington Heights High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Services Administration from the University of Scranton.

Nanci's career spanned nearly 40 years in roles dedicated to helping people. In her immediate past position as Sr. Telesales Representative at Highmark Health, she counseled our senior population on Medicare and Medicaid to ensure each customer was enrolled in the plan that served their unique needs. As a licensed insurance agent with Geico, she excelled at showing prospective customers how "15 minutes could save you 15%". When not on the phones with customers, she eagerly donned the Geico Gecko mascot costume to regale crowds at local sporting events. As supervisor with Maximus Federal Services, she oversaw a team of appeal specialists in the adjudication process for the Affordable Care Act.

But one role gave her the rare opportunity to combine career and passion. Nanci served as the Program Director, Unions and Student Activities at the Penn State Worthington Scranton Campus and was credited with revitalizing the student activity department and student government association. When her workday ended, she transitioned to her passion—coaching and mentoring the women's basketball team, which brought her immense joy.

Before she was a coach, Nanci was a trailblazing athlete. She made history at Abington Heights High School as the first basketball player to score 1,000 career points—an achievement that earned her the honor of having her jersey #34 retired. Her legacy lives on in the trophy case outside the school gym, where the basketball from that historic game remains proudly displayed. She continued her basketball career at the University of Scranton as a Lady Royal.

Though Nanci's professional accomplishments were many, these were not the source of her greatest pride. Nanci beamed when she spoke of family, especially her daughter Kelly, whose commitment and dedication to her career in professional bodybuilding awed her. Nanci cherished each of her 13 nieces and nephews and 5 great-nieces and nephews and boasted about them endlessly. And they equally adored her.

She possessed a rare gift for friendship—a heart so open, it turned chance encounters into lasting bonds. Nanci had many, many friends. She often said she never met a stranger, only a friend she hadn't gotten to know. It was her genuine love and kindness for family and friends that will be her most enduring legacy.

She is survived by daughter, Kelly Purcell; sisters Patti Purcell, Terri Nappi (Dom Nappi, Jr.), Susan DiPilla (Angelo DiPilla), Mary Beth Albertini (Brian Albertini), Margaret Purcell-McPherson (Davy McPherson); a brother, Robin Purcell (Terry Faraday Purcell); her nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 8th at 4 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit. Friends may pay their respects at the funeral home from 1 pm until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or at www.donors1.org/give