OGDENSBURG -- Nancy Lee Brown (fka Witherhead), age 80, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, in North Fort Myers, Florida.

Born on July 7, 1944, in Ogdensburg, New York, Nancy was the daughter of Harold Witherhead and Helen Hurley.

She grew up in a close-knit family on a dairy farm alongside her siblings, Ruth Bogardus, Jane Heuring, Peter Witherhead, and her surviving sister, Betty (Elizabeth) Linson.

Her early years laid the foundation for a life defined by resilience, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

On December 29, 1962, Nancy married Carl Brown in Popemills, New York. Their union spanned over six decades—a testament to enduring love and partnership.

While Carl served in Vietnam, Nancy held down the home front with strength and grace.

She gave birth to their second son while living in Germany and managed the challenges of raising their young family overseas. Together with Carl and their sons, Steven (with wife, Denise) and Thomas (with wife, Deborah), Nancy embraced a life full of adventure and discovery.

Nancy’s professional journey was marked by trailblazing determination.

She worked for nine years at Edison National Bank before joining the United States Postal Service. There, she became one of the first female rural route mail carriers in the City of Cape Coral—a role she held with pride for twenty-three years.

Her dedication to service and community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Beyond her career accomplishments, Nancy’s heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother to Brittany, Katie, Morgan, and Reagan; and great-grandmother to Francis, Jacob, Kennedy, Cameron, Clark, and Chloe.

Her home—whether in Florida or on the road—was always open and filled with love. She had a gift for making others feel welcome with her gentle spirit and warm hugs that could melt away any worry.

Nancy’s zest for life extended far beyond her front door.

Alongside Carl—her best friend and partner-in-adventure—she traveled across 49 states in their RV. They sought out hidden gems: hole-in-the-wall bars with character as rich as their stories; taught water safety to children; struck up conversations with locals who turned into friends; and had countless moments that became cherished memories.

As Carl fondly put it—they were always ready to go “goat roping.”

Her hobbies reflected her vibrant personality: sewing intricate quilts with care; savoring chocolate; walking under open skies; reading books that transported her; getting her nails done just right; and playfully teasing Carl—all expressions of a life lived fully.

Nancy also shared a lifelong friendship with Carol Wetzel—her best friend through thick and thin—and remained deeply connected to many extended family members, including sister-in-law, Francie Summerall, and many friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Witherhead and Helen Hurley; sisters, Ruth Bogardus and Jane Heuring; and brother, Peter Witherhead.

Nancy Lee Brown leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations—a legacy built not only through milestones but through everyday acts of kindness that touched countless lives.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

The Celebration of Life service for Nancy will be held at the American Legion Post #336 in North Fort Myers, FL - date and time are to be announced so please check back with this post for updates.

.

.

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you are viewing NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news researched and written by the NorthCountryNow.com news staff.

Subscriptions also allow us to promote our many community events and encourage meaningful community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!