Nancy Marie Knop, 66, longtime resident of Leesburg, Fla., passed away Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.

Nancy was born in Sturgeon Bay on Aug. 25, 1944, to Robert and Bette Mae Williams. After completing nursing training she worked as a registered nurse, then became a fulltime mother and homemaker for her family. She married William B. Knop on Dec. 7, 1968, and was a loving mother to two children, Ann and John. Nancy was a member of the Pennbrooke Singers, her community chorus group. She attended Pennbrooke Community Church and was a member of their choir.

Nancy is survived by her husband, William Knop of Leesburg, Fla.; daughter, Ann Howard of Mount Dora, Fla.; son, John Knop (Sherrie) of Eustis, Fla.; granddaughters, Kelsie and Lacie Gashaw of Mount Dora, Fla.; brother, James Williams (Debi) of New London; sister, Mary Zakula (Nick) of Anchorage, Alaska; niece, Kate Schuster (Craig) of Wausau; and nephews, Ted Williams (Sacia) of Apple Valley, Minn., and Paul Williams of Greendale. Nancy was also cherished by innumerable friends and extended family members.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Pennbrooke Grand Hall in Leesburg, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Samaritan Inn, a homeless shelter for needy families sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Leesburg. More information about this organization may be found at www.samaritaninn.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, Fla. Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.