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Nancy Lee (Cooke) Stillwell, 63, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026.
Born on August 30, 1962 to Donald & Lois Cooke, Nancy was raised in Forestville, Maryland, with her beloved sister, Susan, and graduated from Suitland High School in 1980. She married John in 1982. From this union, they had one child, Amy, in 1992. In 1997, after residing in Upper Marlboro for many years, they established their home in Huntingtown.
Nancy worked at Joint Base Andrews prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom in 1992, a role she treasured above all others. She later returned to work as a Medical Transcriptionist, followed by a stint at the U.S. Census Bureau. Nancy maintained many of her cherished childhood friendships throughout her life. More than anything, Nancy loved being a Mom and later, a devoted and adoring “MiMi”, to her two grandchildren, as well as a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
A faithful member of Epiphany Episcopal Church, Nancy served as the church organist for over 20 years, sharing her gift of music and enriching countless services and celebrations. Her faith was a quiet but steady foundation in her life. Nancy found joy in gardening, crafting, and photography, always creating beauty and thoughtfully capturing life’s special moments. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Terps. Nancy enjoyed spending time with family on many trips to Ocean City, Deep Creek Lake, and various other locations.
Nancy was a devoted wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend. She had a warm heart, a creative spirit, and a deep love for those around her. Her kindness and steady presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband, John Stillwell; her daughter, Amy Hess, and son-in-law, Ryan Hess; her cherished grandchildren, James and Lainey; her sister, Susan (David) Ballinger; her father-in-law, Hunter (the late Janet) Stillwell; her sisters-in-law, Linda (the late Dennis) Sullivan and Judy (Chris) Gray; her brother-in-law, Craig (Kim) Stillwell; her nieces, Crystal, Jill, Katie, Casey (Cody), Amanda (Tony), and Christina; her nephews, David (Julia), Ryan, and Micah; her great-nieces, Lexi, Kaylie, Madison, and Sophie; her great-nephews, Brody and Hunter; along with extended family members and many dear friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Donald and Lois Cooke; her mother-in-law, Janet Stillwell; and her brother-in-law, Dennis Sullivan.
Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family and friends will live on in the lives she touched.
Visitations will be held on February 27, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, Maryland.
A service will be held on February 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove Methodist Church in Deale, Maryland. Burial will immediately follow at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk, Maryland.
To honor Nancy’s love of flowers, floral tributes are welcome. For those who prefer, donations may be made to Lorenzo’s House lorenzoshouse.org/donate with the family’s sincere appreciation.
Lee Funeral Home
Lee Funeral Home
Cedar Grove United Methodist Church
Southern Memorial Gardens
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