Nanci Lee Stevens

Nanci Lee Stevens, a cherished beautician whose gentle hands and warm smile graced many lives, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Carmel, Indiana. Born on July 3, 1940, in the quaint town of Beloit, Wisconsin, Nanci embodied the spirit of a generation that moved through life with quiet strength and radiant kindness.

Raised under the tender care of her parents, Leif and Marion Jensen, now lovingly remembered though departed, Nanci blossomed into a woman whose passion for beauty was painted not only in her craft but in the way she touched the hearts of those around her. Her high school days laid the foundation for a career dedicated to enhancing the natural elegance of others, a calling she embraced with unwavering dedication. In her later years she worked part time at Meijer in the shoe department.

Throughout her life’s journey, Nanci was blessed with the joy of family—a circle that sustained and uplifted her. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Jenny (Jeff) Stevens Hughes and Lori Feezle, whose lives shine as living testaments to their mother’s enduring spirit. The family circle further includes her stepdaughters, Julie Stevens and Becky Stevens, who carry forward memories intertwined with love and shared moments. Her legacy extends through her treasured grandchildren, Joshua and Braden Hughes, who knew her as a source of comfort and laughter. Nanci loved knitting different items and giving them away to friends and family. She had a special place in her heart for all kinds of music, especially Neil Diamond songs. She loved animals and all kinds of art and was often sketching, painting and writing. She loved to cook for her family, especially her famous potato salad and spaghetti and meatballs, and she loved to play bingo and cards with her many wonderful friends and family. She loved to have fun and she had a big laugh. She read her book of prayers every day and loved the Lord.

Nanci’s path was marked by both light and shadow. She is mourned alongside the memory of her sister, Yvonne Hocking, stepson Mike Stevens, and son-in-law, Stan, whose absence echoes in the lives they touched alongside Nanci’s.

Her life was one woven with the intricacies of love, loss, and resilience, and though she has departed this earth, the warmth she imparted endures—etched in the hearts of those she held dear and in the countless smiles she shaped in nursing home salons and beyond.

As the sun sets on Nanci Lee Stevens’s earthly journey, it rises gently on the memories she leaves behind—a beacon of grace for all who knew her. In Carmel, Indiana, and far beyond, her story remains, a testament to a life well-lived, full of beauty both seen and deeply felt.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends.  Her family is grateful for the caring staff and volunteers from Brighton hospice during the past months. In lieu of flowers, create something handmade with love to share with a friend, family member, or stranger (meals, knitting, painting). Donate to your favorite animal shelter or Wheeler Mission.