Cave Creek, AZ - Nancy Isabel Whiting hated her middle name right up until the moment she passed away of natural causes in her beloved home. She was born January 16, 1952, in Morristown, NJ. After graduating from Mountain Lakes High School in 1970, she attended Drexel University and eventually settled in (very) rural Middleburg, PA. Nancy moved to Cave Creek, AZ, where she spent her last 25 years surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Nancy loved nature, could make anything grow, and made the best Thanksgiving dinner (or any meal) anyone's eaten in their life. She was a real-life fairytale heroine because like Cinderella and Snow White, she cared for and befriended all animals. Her motto was 'live and let live.' She respected them, and they her.

Her yard critters will miss their evening routine of munching on a smorgasbord of freshly chopped fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fresh water. They're probably outside her door right now, looking at their little watches and wondering what the hold-up is. Quail, lizards, kangaroo mice, ground squirrels, chipmunks, road runners, and even hawks were her friends. We can't count the number of baby bunnies she rescued.

Nancy had a quick wit and sharp tongue, and never ceased to make us laugh. She adored music—favorites included The Moody Blues, Gordon Lightfoot, Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, The Beach Boys, John Denver, The Beatles, and Lionel Ritchie.

She was a beauty inside and out, and raised two adoring daughters, Jamie (Jason Lauer) Mercaldo of Northumberland, PA and Morissa (Matthew Antoline) Mercaldo of Newark, DE. Also surviving is her beloved grandson, Michael Mordan of Northumberland, PA, sister-in-law Cathy Whiting, nieces Katie (Rob) Grow, Heather (Erin) Page and nephew Richard Whiting. She leaves behind friends and extended family who she truly cherished. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Herbert Whiting, brother Richard Whiting, and sister Barbara Whiting.

While Boxers were her favorite breed, she provided lavish lifestyles for countless animals throughout her lifetime. We trust she's being greeted with love and cuddles by all of them now.

Private services will occur at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal rescue or sanctuary of your choice. We'll be wearing her favorite color - blue - in her memory