Nancy E. Ferraro passed away at 12:37 pm., November 25, 2023, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A long-time resident of Sarasota, Nancy was 87 years old.
Nancy was born August 23, 1936, in Hartsdale, New York, the daughter of Vincent and Angelina Ferraro. The family moved to Sarasota in 1954, and Nancy enrolled in Sarasota High School, from which she graduated. Nancy also graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a degree in Business Administration.
Nancy found her passion when she joined New College in 1966, where she served as registrar until she retired in 2000. When she retired, among the tributes paid to her was that she always was willing to tell truth to power. Many today are following her example on behalf of New College.
Nancy was the longest serving registrar at New College and understood the educational philosophy at a deep level. She is credited with saving the New College system which required students to contract for their coursework. She took part in negotiating its merger with the University of South Florida, which resulted in an agreement to require a 16 credit course of study for each student. That allowed the New College system to continue to operate as intended.
Following her retirement, Nancy and her dear friend John Morrill spent years travelling the world as well as sharing John's expertise in Sarasota Bay and the local environment until John's death in 2010. Nancy also was an enthusiastic volunteer for several organizations, including the Pines of Sarasota, and Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center. In her neighborhood of The Landings, she was known as an involved and caring neighbor.
Her love for animals was legendary, and she shared her extensive knowledge to help the neighborhood with a colony of feral cats. She volunteered at the Humane Society of Sarasota and the Cat Depot for years, and her number one love in her house was her rescued cat Sherman (who followed a long line of others).
Nancy leaves behind John's daughters and granddaughter, many cousins, and the countless friends who will miss her, and of course, Sherman.
At Nancy's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Donations may be made in Nancy's memory to the Pines of Sarasota, the Cat Depot or the Humane Society of Sarasota.