Nancy Madafferi, 61, passed away on April 11th, 2022. She was born in Oreland, Pennsylvania. In 1974, her family relocated to Bradenton, Florida, when she was 14 years of age. At 26, she met and married her husband, John, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage.
Nancy was a self-taught dynamo, a force of nature, and she brought us all along for the ride, always with the loving support of her husband, John. There was nothing she couldn’t do. She went from having a walking horse for a few years as a teen to having a restaurant for a few years to starting a Tennessee walking horse farm years later. She taught many young horsewomen to ride and successfully compete. She published and did layout for a successful magazine, Show Life. When she got interested in cake design, she did it with panache, creating realistic looking, everyday objects: a man’s shirt and tie, a bottle of tequila, flowers. She went from receptionist at Hitech Electronic Sign Company, where her interest in computers grew, to head of IT at a biotech company, with only a high school education. In her later years, she became an artist, and won at local competition. Even when it came to fishing, she was the one that always caught the big ones.
But most important of all, Nancy’s door was always open to those in need. She saw many through troubled times. She was a generous and loving woman, loved by all who knew her.
Nancy is survived by her husband, John; sister Cheryl Lynne Gunning (Paul); brother Jack F. Sutton (Linda); children Kristin Hallamek (Everett), Dustin Buchanan (Kristen), Cassie Garrison (Jamie), Amy Johnston, and Jason Buchanan. She also leaves 7 grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held on a date to be determined.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Susan G Komen Foundation or the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa.
Jari Tate
April 23, 2022, 1:55 am
John and family, I am sorry for your loss. Nancy was a very wonderful person, co worker and most of all, a friend. I e we I’ll miss her.
Arlene Hangley
April 23, 2022, 12:58 pm
Nancy you will be missed on earth but always will be with us in our heart memories! ❤️
Heather Carty
April 23, 2022, 7:02 pm
John and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy was a very strong and courageous woman. May the strength of her spirit comfort you during this difficult time.
With Love and Sympathy,
Heather Carty
Cathy
April 23, 2022, 10:22 pm
So sorry for your loss, prayers for the healing of your family
Sandy Beard
April 23, 2022, 10:42 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss
Sandy Johnston
April 24, 2022, 1:24 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. The love she left on earth will live on in the hearts of many people. May you find peace in the many beautiful memories that you shared together.
Joe E. Matthews III
April 24, 2022, 1:27 pm
Prayers for your family from the Matthews family, one day will all rejoice with God and Jesus
Denise G Herrick
April 26, 2022, 1:04 am
I’ve known Nancy since she was a teenager. When I picture her, I remember the ever-present smile and the happiness she shared when you were with her. She loved her family so much. John – I know there is a huge hole in your heart that will forever linger. Dustin, Amy and Jason – A mother’s love is like no other. Sending hugs to you and your families. To others in the family – Only time heals the loss. To all – My sincerest sympathy.
DebMike Guzzetta
April 27, 2022, 12:52 pm
Mike and I are so sorry for your loss.
Jackie Valenzuela
May 6, 2022, 10:44 am
Nancy’s smile was contagious! She was such an amazingly loving, generous and giving person.
She helped me with navigating some difficulties in my life and I am forever grateful and blessed I was able to have Nancy a part of my life.
My deepest condolences to you John and all her family.
ToddJen Byrum
May 6, 2022, 11:41 am
Prayers for the entire family Nancy was a great person, talented in many ways
She touched a lot of peoples hearts and will be greatly missed
Berti Patricia
May 6, 2022, 11:50 am
Steve and I are so sorry for you and your families loss. Nancy was so full of life and so much fun to be around. She was so lucky to have you as her knight in shining armour. You were truly the best of the best. God Bless you John.
Dorit Segal
May 6, 2022, 1:36 pm
Rest In Peace dearest beautiful, amazing and warrior Nancy, I will always love ❤️ you.
Love, Dorit
Carol buchanan
May 6, 2022, 8:42 pm
Nancy was like a daughter to me and I loved her deeply. I loved her smile and I will always treasure the closeness we shared. She gave me the my 3 grandkids, dustin, amy and jason the most precious of all gifts and when I look at them I will see her in them. Rest in peace Nancy God bless you.
Cheryl Goggan
May 12, 2022, 2:50 am
Beautifully written. She was loved and will be deeped missed by all.
Brencent Cottrell
May 14, 2022, 2:57 am
I had a short time to know and work with Nancy but it felt like I knew her for a lifetime. When she told me of her latest battle with that evil C word I broke down and cried. Nancy responded letting me know not to worry and that she will be alright. I know she is whole again and with God watching over us. My prayers of comfort go out to her family. We will one day be rejoicing in Heaven with her.
Wendy Rich
June 8, 2022, 2:12 pm
I met Nancy through her horse Neon Blue…and a true friendship was born. It’s difficult to verbalize what she meant to me…she included me at family holiday gatherings many times and was a friend I called and always felt better after. Her absence from this world is surely felt by many..especially John. Sending my love and prayers…Wendy
Mary Oswald
June 8, 2022, 6:52 pm
To John and family, It is my loss for not having met Nancy, however, through John, I feel as though I know her. Obviously, she was an amazing woman and I’m so happy that John met her and had a wonderful marriage! If there’s any advice that I can give you John is remember the good times, always keep them fresh in your mind! No doubt sadness will push in, but push back with the good memories! Nancy is with you; she is in your heart and soul, always will be! I think of you often John! Love you.
Cindy Brown
June 9, 2022, 12:36 pm
Nancy was loved by many and will be truly missed. So many wonderful memories I have with Nancy over the past 48 years! My heart broke watching her constant fight. I’m happy that I was someone she reached out too and shared her journey with. Rest easy dear friend until we meet again. Hugs to John and family. I know there is great loss for all of you !
Cindy Brown
June 9, 2022, 12:37 pm
Nancy was loved by many and will be truly missed. So many wonderful memories I have with Nancy over the past 48 years! My heart broke watching her constant fight. I’m happy that I was someone she reached out too and shared her journey with. Rest easy dear friend until we meet again. Hugs to John and family. I know there is great loss for all of you !
Jason Arnold
February 23, 2023, 3:35 am
John: I am just reading this tribute and wanted you to know that you (and Nancy) are in my thoughts tonight. I hope you are well,