Nancy C. Heslop

Nancy Heslop passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, after a short illness. She was born in Seattle on December 12, 1946, to Marie and Desmond Canavan. As a self-described “military brat”, she lived on many Marine bases across the country. She and her family eventually settled in Hanover, New Hampshire in May of 1958.

She went on to attend Lake Erie College for Women. It was there she met her future husband on a blind date which, it turned out, took place during a blackout.

Nancy and her husband John married in January of 1966. The young couple settled in Akron and went on to have two daughters, Heather and Elizabeth.

Nancy was active in many local charities. Her real passion was Akron Children’s Hospital where she was a long-standing Women’s Board member. She founded the Children’s Tree which has been a holiday tradition at Akron Children’s for 44 years this year.

Nancy was also involved in the Summit County Democratic Party and worked tirelessly on many, many campaigns at the local and state level. To those whom she helped, you know who you are. That would make her smile.

She also enjoyed her cabin in Quebec where she and her family spent nearly 50 years of summers. Nancy was also an avid gardener and landscaper and designed a lovely garden that she and her family thoroughly enjoyed.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years John William Heslop; daughters Heather Heslop Licata (Ross) and Elizabeth Heslop Shumake (Ric). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Jack Edward Licata (Ellie) and Caroline Elizabeth Licata (Bryan); as well as her two darling great-grandsons Oliver Herschel and Henry Herschel. She is also survived by her siblings Kathleen Martin and Patrick Canavan; as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Marie and Marine Corps Colonel Desmond Canavan and her sister Susan.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation. One Perkins Square, Akron OH 44308 or online at give@akronchildrens.org.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.