Nancy E. Peters

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Nancy Peters on July 14, 2026, at the age of 74.

Nancy was the beloved wife of 54 years and high school sweetheart of Jeffrey Peters; she was the heart of her family. She was the best Mom, Nana, Aunt, sister, and friend anyone could ever hope to have. Her love knew no bounds. While she was a devoted mother to Kelly Spurlock (Brian), Scott Peters (Torrey), Kristin Jelson (Greg), and her beloved son, Steven Peters, who preceded her in death, her nurturing spirit reached far beyond her immediate family. Countless people lovingly called her Mom, Aunt Nancy, Nanni, or Nana—not because they were related by blood, but because Nancy had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel like family. She even expanded her family to Brazil by hosting 3 foreign exchange students and starting a multigenerational relationship with the Garrido family there.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Aiden, Quinn, and Ryker Spurlock; Boden, Ayla, and Cade Peters; and Madilyn, Declan, and Gwendolyn Jelson. They were among the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment spent loving, encouraging, and celebrating them. Nancy is also survived by her brother, Harold Finger (Carolyn); many brother and sister in laws - Rhonda and Bob Ball, Marci and Randy Homan, Todd and Laura Peters, Amy and Frank Daddario Julie and Tom Brady and Donald Beitel along with many nieces and nephews with whom she deeply loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawson and Jean Finger; her brother, David Finger; and her sister, Helen Buetel.

An occupational therapist by profession, Nancy was a healer by calling. Certified in numerous specialized therapies, she brought healing to people others couldn't reach. She had an extraordinary ability to recognize what others needed—whether it was encouragement, wisdom, a listening ear, or simply the reassurance that someone cared. She made people feel truly seen, deeply loved, and completely accepted. Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in others changed countless lives. As an occupational therapist, she worked at Akron Schools, Summit Physical Therapy and Rehab, and Children’s Hospital, among others. She also was an owner of Fred E Thomas Agency along with Jeff.

Nancy approached life with endless curiosity and enthusiasm. She was a lifelong learner who eagerly embraced new ideas and was always among the first to explore new technology and gadgets. She believed in taking care of herself through healthy eating, exercise, and intentional living, long before many of those practices became mainstream. Her passion for wellness was never just for herself—it was another way she cared for the people she loved. Creativity flowed through everything Nancy did. She always had a new craft or project in the works, delighting in learning new skills and creating beautiful things with her hands. She was never idle, always moving, always dreaming of the next adventure or the next idea to explore. She was an inventor and entrepreneur in the truest sense, co-creating MagZip and founding DNS Designs and ANKHGEAR, leaving a legacy that has reached millions.

She loved to travel, creating memories wherever she went. Her favorite place was anywhere she was surrounded by family and friends. Nothing brought Nancy greater joy than gathering the people she loved around a table filled with delicious homemade food. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, nourished, and at home. Her home was a place of laughter, conversation, celebration, and unconditional love.
Nancy's laughter was contagious, her hugs unforgettable, and her love unwavering. She celebrated others' successes, carried them through hardships, and reminded everyone they mattered. The ripple effect of her kindness will continue for generations through the lives she touched.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that the legacy Nancy leaves behind is one of unconditional love, compassion, strength, curiosity, generosity, and joy. She taught us that healing comes in many forms—a kind word, a warm meal, an open mind, a helping hand, a treatment room, and a heart that never stopped loving. She will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure. While we grieve her absence, we will honor her by loving one another the way she loved us—with open arms, an open heart, endless compassion, and a genuine curiosity for the world and the people in it. If you wish to honor Nancy's memory, gather the people you love, share a meal, embrace new ideas, lend a helping hand, and make someone feel seen—just as she did every day of her life. Forever our wife, Mom, Nana, Aunt Nancy, and friend. Forever loved, forever remembered, forever making room for one more. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations in her honor to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Nature Conservancy, or Hospice of Orleans.

Calling hours will be at Ross Funeral Home 10 Eckerson Ave in Akron from 1-4 on Friday, July 24th, followed by a funeral at 5pm at Trinity Lutheran Church at 4809 S Newstead Rd, Akron. Reception to follow.

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