Nancy “Jean” Wells McKenney

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Nancy Jean Wells McKenney (known as “Jean” to family and friends in Maine), 88, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, April 20, 2025. A devoted wife, mom, grammie, and great-grammie, Nancy was a pillar of her community and will be remembered with deep love and gratitude. Her dance partner and partner in life of 45 wonderful years Reginald H. McKenney preceded her in death in 2006. Though her family will miss her greatly, they rejoice in knowing that she and Reg are now reunited.

Nancy did not know a stranger and is known by her grandkids as one of the best huggers. From the days growing up on the dairy/strawberry farm in New Vineyard, to her many road adventures to visit her kids, she would always have a story to tell of someone new she met along the way. Back at home, her door was always open to everyone and there was always time to chat while rocking on the front porch. Nancy was a giver and liked to pay it forward with all the berries she picked and making everyone’s favorite goodies such as northern pies (chocolate crème, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, apple blackberry, etc), muffins, bread, donuts, brownies and peanut butter cookies. Since 1976, Nancy made beautiful Christmas wreaths that adorned many homes and businesses throughout the community and family homes.

Before starting her family, Nancy graduated from Husson College in 1959 and was proud to be the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Husson. Nancy embraced being a mom of five, whether busy packing lunches for school or supporting their many activities, she still found time to be active in the community, coach teams, and manage a family with a busy lifestyle. There were always adventures to visit family and friends, vacations, skiing, even a cross-country trip with the family one summer. After Reg’s passing, Nancy never slowed down. She continued to travel (without maps) to or with family and friends while continuing to spend the summers on Embden Pond in Maine where she enjoyed supervising projects, fishing, gardening, watching wildlife, playing cribbage, completing word games, Sudoku, and puzzles. At 85, she did more than 100 puzzles in one year.

Nancy is survived by her five children, David S. McKenney (Patricia “Patti”) of Embden, Teresa J. Whitlock of Powhatan, Va., Alan S. McKenney of Ijamsville, Md., Patricia A. Parker (Robert) of Woodland, N.C. and Amanda M. Mueller (Geoff) of Raleigh, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Morgan W. Black (William) of Rocky River, Ohio, Camden E. Bell (Christopher) of Henrico, Va., Emma G. McKenney of Henrico, Va., Colby J. McKenney of Ijamsville, Md., Reagan E. McKenney of Ijamsville, Md., Ryan C. Parker (Hillary) of Fort Defiance, Va., Adam R. Parker (Gabby) of White City, Ore., Madison R. Mueller of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kelsey J. Mueller of Raleigh, N.C.; and three great-grandchildren, William E. Black IV, Lucas D. Black, and Ethan C. Parker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald “Reg” H. McKenney; and her son-in-law, Richard “Dick” B. Whitlock.

Her legacy of love, faith, resiliency and perseverance will live on through her family and all who knew her.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the McKenney Family Home, Virginia Beach, Va. On Saturday, May 3, the family will receive guests starting at 11 a.m. at The Lesner Inn (3319 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451) with a Celebration of Life and a reception to follow starting at 11:30 a.m. The family also welcomes visitors at the family home following the reception.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at the Forest Hill Cemetery (229 Upper Park St., Madison, ME 04950). A Celebration of life and reception will follow at The Solon Hotel (4 N Main St., Solon, ME 04979). The family will receive guests starting at 12:30 p.m. with the Celebration of Life and reception beginning at 1 p.m.

Nancy’s unwavering dedication to her family and all those she knew will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Nancy to a charity of your choice or one of Nancy’s favorites below:

New Vineyard

Historical Society

577 Anson Valley Rd.

New Vineyard, ME 04956;

New Vineyard Library

P.O. Box 255

New Vineyard, ME 04956;

Heating Assistance Programs – Please indicate HEAP on the donations:

Kennebec Valley

Community Action Program

Attention: Andrea Pasco

101 Water St.

Waterville, ME 04901;

Western Maine

Community Action, Inc.

20 Church St.

East Wilton, ME 04234