Nancy Jane Eppes

Nancy Jane Eppes, 81, of Islamorada, Florida, passed away on January 10, 2026 after a prolonged illness. She was born on March 17, 1944, in Wilmington, Delaware, to William Litzenberg and Jane Robertson.

Nancy lived an extraordinary life. She grew up in Elkton, Maryland, with her parents, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins, learned to hunt and loved to travel. Fiercely intelligent and independent, Nancy would find true and enduring love with a kind and charming doctor, Williford Eppes, whom she met at the Delaware Underwater Dive Club. They built a life for themselves in the Florida Keys, enjoying new friends, spearfishing and boating.

Nancy cared deeply for her family, friends and the community. She delighted in showcasing the adventure and beauty of the Keys. Nancy was always ready to lead the charge on fishing, crabbing and snorkeling trips. Through her volunteer work at the food pantry, she fed countless people and ensured donated items found good homes. She also had a green thumb, growing healthy food at her community garden and caring for a variety of beautiful plants around her home.

Nancy is survived by her cousins, her nephew, David Pacanowsky, Jr., her niece, Laura Mack, her nephew-in-law, Joe Mack, and the lights of her life, her great nephew and niece, Grayson and Parker Mack. She spent the last 10 years of her life teaching them how to boat, fish, crab, appreciate seafood, blow a conch horn at sunset and name every animal in the sea.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Jane Litzenberg, her husband, Will Eppes, and her sister, Kathleen Litzenberg.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Community Ministry Food Pantry, PO Box 453, Islamorada, FL 33036.