Nancy Leary

Nancy Leary was peacefully reunited with the love of her life, Jim, in May 2026. A woman of intellect, warmth, and a spirited sense of adventure, Nancy lived a life defined by her devotion to her family and her passion for education.

Early Life and Adventure

Born on August 6, 1948, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Nancy was the daughter of the late Robert and Polly (Todd) Emerson. She spent her formative years in China Lake, California, a landscape that shaped much of her early identity. She took great pride in calling herself a "desert rat" and often delighted her family with stories of catching horned toads in the arid California sun. Following her freshman year of college, Nancy moved to the East Coast to join her parents and sister, beginning a new chapter that would eventually lead her to her greatest partnership.

A Storybook Romance

Nancy’s life changed forever during a summer at a Presbyterian camp, where she first met James G. Leary. While their paths diverged for a time, fate intervened when Jim and his fraternity brothers decided to attend a dance at Kutztown Teachers College. Jim reached out to Nancy to escort her to the event, sparking a romance that would span decades. The two were wed on July 2, 1972, and settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where they built a beautiful life together.

A Career of Purpose

After several years as a dedicated homemaker raising her two children, Nancy re-entered the workforce, bringing her love of literature, literacy, and education to the community at Northampton Community College. She served as an adjunct English Professor and worked with Project Aware before finding her true professional calling as the Director of Family Literacy. Nancy was deeply passionate about her work, empowering families through education and leaving an indelible mark on the community she served.

Retirement and Coastal Dreams

In retirement, Nancy moved to Frederick, Maryland, to be near her daughter. While she cherished the new friendships she made there, she remained a frequent visitor to Bethlehem to stay connected with long-time friends. Eventually, Nancy fulfilled a long-held dream she and Jim had shared: retiring to North Carolina. She found great peace and joy in the coastal life—spending her summers collecting seashells on the shore and enjoying meals at the Sanitary Restaurant.

Legacy and Family

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James G. Leary; her brother, Keith Emerson; and her parents.

Her legacy of kindness and strength lives on through her children: James D. Leary (Elizabeth) of Phoenixville, PA, and Shannon E. Welsh (Joseph) of Emerald Isle, NC. She was the proud grandmother of Abigail and Victoria Leary.

She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth DelPiano (Gary) of Orange, CT; her sisters-in-law, Alice Reitz (Thomas) of Madison, CT, and Yvonne Emerson of Santa Maria, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her cherished feline companions, Boots and Caleb.

Nancy will be remembered for her sharp wit, her storytelling, and her unwavering love for her family. She remains forever in our hearts, walking beside us in spirit.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.