Nancy Marie Silverstein Age 67 of Vilas passed away at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation October 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, John Henry Kelly, and Dorothy Mary Kelly (Bechtel)

She is survived by her sisters: Teresa Kelly, Patricia Jordan and Karin Elizabeth Kelly Copenhagen, her children, Matthew and Mucia Silverstein, Rebecca Silverstein, Jennifer Silverstein and Kathryn Silverstein, her granddaughter, Maria Silverstein.

Nancy Marie Silverstein was born in Queens, NY, on November 28, 1955, to Jack and Dottie Kelly. Soon afterwards, they moved to Ohio where extended family resided, and 2 younger sisters, Tracy and Patti joined them. When Nancy was 7, they moved to Miami, Florida and the youngest sister, Karin completed the family. Nancy attended Catholic schools, Epiphany for primary school and high school at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. Her work ethic was strong; as a high school student, she worked at the local grocery store, Grand Union. She attended Florida State University in 1976 and graduated with a master's degree in special education in 1981. She knew what she wanted in life and went for it! Nancy was a special education teacher for over 35 years, and it was truly her passion. She touched the lives of countless children. Often working in low-income districts, Nancy went above and beyond for many kids in difficult circumstances to provide a stable learning environment and was a great source of support. A mother of 4 children, Nancy always said her kids were the best thing that ever happened to her. She took time off from working in the classroom to raise her children: Matt, Becca, Jenny, and Katie. She raised them in a loving, positive and supportive home environment. They lived in Florida, Colorado, and Kansas, enjoying many wonderful family adventures.

Nancy was an avid reader and animal lover and enjoyed doing puzzles. She had a great sense of humor and her kids liked to scare her with their stories of adventure and mischief, after the fact, of course. In January 2022, Nancy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She moved into a cabin on a farm, in Vilas, North Carolina, with Victor Fortune and Tracy, her sister. She and Tracy engaged in weekly scheduled events, like going shopping in Boone on Tuesdays, Wed night evening meal and service, and Sunday school and service at Bethel Baptist Church. She attended two women Bible study groups and made friends with the women of Bethel Baptist Church. As her faith grew, she was baptized and became a member of Bethel church. She was strengthened and comforted in her walk with Christ. Nancy loved visits with her children and extended family and cherished her community and church family. She passed away at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone, NC on October 11, 2023. She was an inspiration in the lives of everyone around her and will be greatly missed.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangemetns.