GOODWILL

NANCY ELLEN (SWEET)

Every day, you make us smile and know that we're loved. We are so lucky and grateful. Cheerful texts with more emojis than a teenager. Stylish clothes with a matching ensemble from her collection of watches, purses and shoes. Real birthday cards with cute stickers and a shiny penny for good luck. Our favorite home-made food - pecan pie, stuffed pork chops, under-the-sea jello and potato salad with deviled eggs. A truly empathetic listener who shared our joys and sorrows.

Nancy Goodwill, age 87, of Upper St. Clair, passed peacefully on the stormy day of April 29, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.

She is survived by her loving children, Ken (Van) Goodwill of San Diego and Julie (Andy) Hall of Mt. Lebanon; along with her cherished grandsons, Alexander, Carter, Owen, Aidan and Everett Hall; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Goodwill; her brother, Edward; and her parents, Ed and Betty Sweet.

Nancy graduated from Langley High School in 1954 and earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958, where she was a member of Chi Omega. A great joy for her was teaching third grade at Jefferson Elementary School, the same school her grandsons would later attend.

She met Joe while skiing with friends and their whirlwind romance led to marriage six months later. Nancy embraced the role of a devoted mother, choosing to stay home and raise her children. As they grew, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and tutor, sharing her passion for education with new generations. Her love of reading extended beyond the classroom as she volunteered at the local library's story time.

Nancy and Joe were married for 52 years. They shared a deep love for travel and adventure, creating lasting memories with their children through visits to national parks, ski trips, Bermuda, Long Island, St Louis, Massachusetts and more. Joe and Nancy then embarked on their own journeys, eventually visiting all fifty states, seven continents and enjoyed countless cruises.

Family was the cornerstone of Nancy's life. She dedicated years to caring for her aging parents and later became a steadfast caretaker for her beloved husband after his stroke. She inherited his deep love for the Pittsburgh Pirates, cheering them on even with their losing record.

Known for her sharp wit and youthful spirit, Nancy often joked that she had "not grown up yet." She loved playing cards, lunch dates with friends, tending her plants and keeping up with loved ones through her iPad and phone—mastering texting with a flair for emojis. She was proud of her grandsons and loved watching them grow. Nancy's kindness, humor and devotion to family will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who love her. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, following a private family service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the charity of your choice. Please add tributes at

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