Nancy Lee Sundberg (Kurz), 89, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on the afternoon of September 17, 2024. Born on April 22, 1935, in Middlesex, New Jersey, Nancy was the middle of three sisters. After high school, she pursued nursing school where she helped recruit local high school girls to become nurses. While in school, she went on a double date to a Yankees game with her eventual husband, Carl, but said "it was boring." Several years later, she gave the man another chance and, after three children and 41 years of marriage, we believe it's safe to assume the second date went better than the first.
In 1986, the family moved to Warwick, New York, to raise their children. While there, Nancy sang in the church choir, tended to her garden, and cared for the family Collies. Over the years, people would often go to Nancy for gardening advice. She knew how to care for every type of plant, but her favorite, by far, was lavender.
Out of the many seasons of her life, the one Nancy talked about most was when she and Carl opened a bed and breakfast in Cutler, Maine. Three months of the year they would take in guests and Nancy would get to work planning three meals a day, setting up rooms, and organizing events. In this crazy world, the Little River Lodge was her little slice of paradise. And as a testament to her dedication, the inn still runs to this day.
Everyone who knew Nancy throughout her life knew that she was a stellar entertainer. Whether she was planning a small lunch gathering in her retirement community or a 30-person dinner at the Little River Lodge, she always looked forward to hosting friends. All those who entered her home were greeted by delicious aromas and no one ever left hungry.
Nancy was also an accomplished quilter. A hobby picked up later in life, she made dozens of quilts over the years. Each one took hours of work and was patiently stitched by hand. Those fortunate enough to be gifted one of these lasting pieces of art will carry her memory with them wherever they go.
While not cooking a delicious meal or sewing a masterpiece, Nancy could be found on the tennis court. A fierce competitor well into her 80s, Nancy always had extra tennis balls scattered around her car and house until the day she left this earth.
Above all else, Nancy was a conversationalist. Rarely would she speak about her own life as she preferred to hear about the lives of others. People who conversed with her felt listened to and genuinely cared for. If there's one part of Nancy, we should all carry on, it's the power of a good conversation.
She is survived by her children, Marjorie, Carolyn, and Andrew. Sister, Winifred. Grandchildren, Emily, Elizabeth, Michael, Joshua, Eric, and Megan. And her great grandbabies, Oliver and Dane. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Carl (d. 1998); her sister, Patty (d. 2024) and her parents, Ruth (d. 1974) and Herbert (d. 1966).
Now at peace in heaven, her legacy of love, hospitality, and warmth lives on in the countless lives she touched.
Enjoy the good food, conversation, and martinis in heaven Nancy, we will all miss you dearly down here.
There are no services scheduled at this time. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to Mt. Vernon Condominium Association Garden Club, 4701 Independence Drive, Bradenton, FL 34210. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
