Norfolk, VA – Nancy Webster Gillette, 87, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on October 1, 2025.
Born on January 27, 1938, to Rita Eudora Haskins and Willis Davis Webster, Nancy grew up on the family dairy farm in Canaan, NH. She lived a thoughtful, engaged life shaped by compassion, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.
Nancy shared nearly 50 years of marriage with her husband Philip S. Gillette-a partnership filled with love, deep conversation, travel, wonderful friends, and family. It was a meaningful and joyful union. She was devoted to her children’s flourishing: Sarah Sharp (Kurt Dermen) and Jason Sharp (Lyvian & family), and her late sons John Sharp (Martha), Stephen Sharp (Phil Bedell). Nancy was deeply touched to have her grandson, Bill Baldwin (Robin) and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jay, Sofia, and Ava in her life. She is also survived by her brother, David Webster (Pam), nephews Jon and Scott, brother-in-law, John Gillette (Sharen), and nieces, Hillary, Nicole and families.
Nancy earned a master’s degree in social work from Norfolk State University and was credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She spent her career in mental health services field that reflected both her professional skill and deep empathy. She believed in meeting people where they were and helping them find their way forward.
Her interests were wide and genuine. She loved tracing her family’s history through genealogy, exploring a well-written book, watching and discussing foreign films at the Naro Theater, and camping. Travel was another great joy; she delighted in meeting new people, learning about their cultures, and experiencing new places and ideas.
Nancy’s values guided every part of her life. She was active in the Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist Church, Empower Hampton Roads, and the League of Women Voters-communities that reflected her enduring commitment to fairness, learning, and civic engagement. Those who knew Nancy will remember her for her keen mind, steady kindness, and lifelong dedication to helping others.
Nancy and her family resided in many places in the United States and wherever she lived she made the nearest Unitarian Universalist church a part of her life.
In recent years Nancy and husband Phil have resided at Harbor’s Edge a senior residential community in Norfolk, VA. Nancy’s family is deeply grateful for the loving care she received, with special recognition given to Lisa Horan.
A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist (CVUU) Church, 809 S. Military Hwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. All are welcome. Family and friends will also gather to remember her in Canaan, NH in the summer of 2026.
Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to C-VUU.org or other charitable organizations.
Cremation and Funeral Services of Tidewater is assisting the family.
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