Beloved Wife, Mother, Mentor, and the "Mom" of LEADERship Martin County 

"Some people leave behind memories; Nancy Sailer left behind a stronger, more beautiful community and generations of leaders whose lives were forever changed by her kindness." 

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the peaceful passing of Nancy Lou Heaston Sailer on July 19, 2026. Born in Wichita, KS on April 9, 1935, Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, as well as one of Martin County's most beloved community leaders. 

Nancy's greatest joy was always her family. She shared a loving and devoted marriage with her husband, Jack Sailer, whose unwavering partnership spanned more than seven decades. Together, they built a life rooted in family, love, and service, raising three children - Tish (Austin), Kurt (Laura) and Brad (Susan). Nancy's family continued to grow with six grandchildren (Tyson, Travis, Katie, Jason, Kyle, Leah), twelve great-grandchildren (Trinity, Jack, Nathan, Ryden, Brek, Isla, Rayce, Blair, Annie, Benson, Scottie, Kennedy), and one greatgreat grandchild (Georgia Lou), each of whom brought her countless treasured memories. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and they remained the center of her heart throughout her life. 

In 1966, Nancy and Jack moved to Stuart, Florida, with their three young children to begin a new chapter by opening the Holiday Inn. What started as a family adventure became the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to serving the community they grew to love. In 1981, Nancy joined the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce as its first Office Manager. It soon became clear that her role would extend far beyond the office. She possessed a rare gift for bringing people together, inspiring others to serve, and turning ideas into lasting improvements for the community. 

Because of her lifelong love of flowers, Nancy founded the Chamber's Beautification and Community Improvement Committee, recognizing businesses that enhanced the appearance of Martin County. She was instrumental in the creation of Hospital Pond Park and Menninger Park (to honor Dr. Ed Menninger, the “Flowering Tree Man”). For more than three decades, she continued to volunteer her time helping to maintain these treasured public spaces. Her committee was also the first in the area to participate in Florida's Adopt-A-Highway Program, reflecting her belief that even the smallest acts of stewardship could make a lasting difference. 

Nancy served on the board of Stuart Main Street during its formative years, helping revitalize downtown Stuart, and alongside Jack, co-chaired, with others, the inaugural "Dancing in the Street" celebration, an event that became a treasured community tradition. When the Chamber moved into its new headquarters, Nancy proudly oversaw the transition, embracing each new challenge with her trademark enthusiasm, organization, and grace. 

Perhaps Nancy's greatest professional legacy was the creation and nurturing of the Chamber’s LEADERship Martin County program. Beginning in 1991, she devoted herself to identifying, mentoring, and encouraging future community leaders. Under her guidance, nearly 700 graduates completed the program. The list of graduates reads like a who’s who of decision makers throughout Martin County. To those graduates, Nancy was far more than a program director - she was simply "Mom." She celebrated every success as though it were her own and often said her greatest reward was watching her "kids" make a positive difference in the community. 

Nancy's heart for service shone especially bright through her commitment to the fight against breast cancer. As a Susan G. Komen Warrior and a devoted volunteer with Friends in Pink, Nancy transformed her own journey into a source of hope for others. To many, Nancy became not only an advocate but also a trusted friend, a compassionate listener, and a shining example of resilience and grace. 

Nancy's commitment to serving others extended well beyond her professional life. She faithfully volunteered, early on, as a Vacation Bible School teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, 4-H leader, and Little League concession manager. She later continued her volunteering as a Sailfish Regatta volunteer, MC Beach Cleanup participant, Stuart Main Street board member, advocate for the American Cancer Society, Friends in Pink, and Susan G. Komen Foundation. In 2009, Nancy was awarded the President’s Call to Service Award, in honor of her lifetime of service, over 6,000 hours at that time. Wherever there was a need, Nancy was there - with a willing heart, a warm smile, and a determination to make things better. 

While her accomplishments were many, those who knew Nancy will remember her not for the awards she earned or the programs she built, but for the kindness she showed, the friendships she nurtured, the encouragement she freely gave, and the genuine love she had for every person she met. She made others feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference. Her humility, compassion, infectious optimism, and servant's heart inspired generations whose lives—and whose community—are better because she walked among them. 

Though she will be deeply missed, Nancy's example reminds us that a life dedicated to serving others is a life that lives on forever. Her kindness, generosity, and enduring love for her family and community will continue to guide and inspire future generations. The family asks that Nancy be remembered not only in words, but through acts of kindness, volunteerism, mentorship, and service to others—the values that defined her remarkable life. 

Nancy's life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the lives we touch, the beauty we create, and the love we leave behind. Her legacy will continue to bloom in the parks she helped create, in the leaders she lovingly mentored, in the family she cherished, and in the grateful hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:23)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Nancy Sailer Youth LEADERship Scholarship (LEADERshipMCalumni.com). Per Nancy’s wishes, no formal service will be held. The family will celebrate her life privately. Those wishing to make a donation or share a message/memory are invited to leave it here on her memorial page.