Nancy M. Lavelle

Nancy McCaskie Lavelle, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Lavelle of New York City; her son John Lavelle (Kristin Clendenning) of Berkeley, CA; and her son David Lavelle (Ann Winings) of Cleveland Heights, OH. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Neal, TJ, Jerry, and Nate, as well as her brother, John McCaskie (Rosemary Graettinger) of Ruffs Dale, PA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Neal Patrick Lavelle, and her brother, David McCaskie of Euclid, OH.

Nancy was born in Cleveland, OH, on September 1, 1936, to Pauline (née Keeling) and Kenneth L. McCaskie. She grew up in Lakewood, OH, and attended Lincoln Elementary School and Lakewood High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1954. She earned her degree in Art History from Smith College in 1958, spending her junior year at Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University), where she met Neal, her husband of 62 years.

Nancy and Neal were married in 1961 and settled in Shaker Heights, OH, where they raised their family and lived for over 45 years. In 2006, they renovated a pre-war apartment in Cleveland Heights, OH, where they continued to enjoy life together.

In addition to raising three children, Nancy was deeply involved in the Cleveland community.  She gave her time and talents to institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, the Western Reserve Historical Society, and Dunham Tavern. Her love of travel led her to become a professional travel agent, where she built a reputation as a knowledgeable and dependable resource for clients and friends alike.

Nancy and Neal shared a passion for antiques and the decorative arts, becoming avid collectors and learners in the field. She was also a dedicated reader, a competitive bridge and Mahjong player, and an enthusiastic participant in local organizations including the Smith College Club of Cleveland, the Fork and Hoe Garden Club, and the Euclid Beach Carousel Society.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at Wade Chapel in Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Nancy’s name to The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd, Cleveland Ohio, 44120.