Nancy Jo Opiela

Nancy Jo Leasck was born on May 25, 1939 to Joseph and Mary Leasck of West Frankfort, Illinois. She left this world to meet her Lord and Savior at the age of 82 on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Nancy was a long-term resident of both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. A member of the Class of 1957, she graduated from Frankfort High School in West Frankfort, Illinois. Shortly after graduation, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Terry J. Lockman of West Frankfort, Illinois. His career with the American Red Cross brought them to Pensacola, where they settled and raised their family. She retired from the Escambia County School District in 1999 following 27 years of serving the children at C. A. Weiss Elementary, Longleaf Elementary and closed out her career at Pine Forest High School. Nancy was the heart of our family, the glue that bonded us together, the supreme holiday organizer and party planner. She was our constant. She made all of us believe we were the favorite. Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Terry J. Lockman, father, Joseph A. Leasck, mother, Mary Leasck, brother, Nick Leasck, and niece, Angela Walton. Nancy is survived by her second husband, Richard Opiela, daughter, Bambi Lockman (Kathy Devlin), son, Steve Lockman (Jan), and daughter, Jacquie Kane (Michael). Seven grandchildren, Christopher Kane, Annie Wiggins, Everett Lockman, Robert Kane (Abigail), Raeann Fortin (Troy), Steven Kane, and Madison Lockman (Lauren), and great-granddaughters, Amelia Kane and Maebh Lockman. Her sister, Toni Walton (Buddy), nieces Maria Jones (Aaron), and Melinda Kline (Larry), along with a thick family legacy of relatives far and near, and a host of lovingly self-adopted children that she welcomed into her heart and a family of dedicated co-workers, church family and friends. Her many talents included her artistic abilities, cooking for family, friends, and those who needed a touch of taste to boost their sorrows. Nancy self-published a cookbook of her favorite foods, recipes, and family traditions. She served Saint Anne Catholic Church (Bellview), Little Flower Catholic Church (Myrtle Grove), the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Pensacola), and Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church (Milton) in a multitude of capacities. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. with Rosary Service at 5:00 P.M. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Florida. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Monsignor Michael V. Reed, JCL, officiating. A private graveside service will be held immediately following the Celebration of Life at Bayview Fisher-Pou Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Christopher Kane, Everett Lockman, Robert Kane, Steven Kane, Madison Lockman, and Troy Fortin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Avenue, Milton, Florida 32570. Faith Chapel North Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Nancy Jo Opiela

May 25, 1939 - April 14, 2022