ALEXANDRIA, VA-Nancy Wells Macklin died peacefully at Goodwin House in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 6, 2024. She was pre-deceased by her husband Daniel Keenan Macklin of Tontogany, Ohio, and her parents Virginia and Joseph Wells.
Nancy was born on September 2, 1929, and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, along with her younger sister Sally. She graduated from Lash High School in 1947 and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1951. In 1950 she married Dan, the love of her life. They had six children and remained happily married for 59 years. While Dan served in the Marine Corps and their family grew, they moved often, living in Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, and California until settling permanently in Alexandria, Virginia.
In 1964, Nancy, Dan, and Marilyn Hansen formed Macklin-Hansen Real Estate, of which Nancy was the Secretary-Treasurer. Nancy enjoyed a successful career as a broker of commercial and residential properties in and around Old Town. She was fascinated by Alexandria’s history and architecture and loved her profession so well that she continued working into her eighties.
Nancy was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church for decades and treasured her community. She chaired the United Way campaign in 1982, served on the Advisory Board of Christmas in April, was a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, tutored schoolchildren, delivered food with Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at Carpenter’s Shelter.
Nancy valued her friends, playing bridge and tennis, attending book club, hosting parties and picnics, and traveling around the globe with them. She practiced yoga and, with Dan, bicycled frequently along the Potomac River. Nancy was fun-loving and adventurous. In her eighties, she parasailed in the Florida Keys and went up in a hot air balloon.
Nancy was a devoted and proud mother of six children. Her great pleasure was being surrounded by her large family. She, Dan, and her sister Sally ensured annual family reunions in numerous locations beginning in the early 1970s. A highlight was a trip to Tuscany in 2000 to celebrate Nancy and Dan’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Nancy knew intuitively what makes for a fulfilling, happy life: purpose, physical and mental activity, lifelong learning, grace and optimism under pressure, gratitude, and above all holding family and friends close.
When asked recently for advice for her grandchildren, she responded, “Enjoy your life.” Nancy led the way, sharing her bright spirit by smiling often, laughing easily, and exuding kindness.
Nancy is survived by her sister Sally Wells of Washington, DC, son Dr. Daniel Macklin of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Kelly Macklin of Boyce, VA, daughter Katie Macklin of Alexandria, VA, son Jeff Macklin of Santa Barbara, CA, daughter Sally Macklin of Alexandria, VA, daughter Amy Macklin of Atlanta, GA, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held April 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA, 22305. Tel: 703-549-1980.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA, Senior Services of Alexandria, or Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA.
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