Nancy Carol Bly

Nancy C. Bly was born in Chester, MD, on April 25, 1939, the 7th child of the late John W. Crouch and Catherine R. Kersey Crouch and twin to Thomas R. Crouch. A graduate of Stevensville High School in 1957, Mrs. Bly remained in close contact with many of her classmates for the entirety of her life. In 1959, Mrs. Bly moved to Washington, D.C., and began work for the CIA. She later worked for the State of Maryland in the Income Tax Division in Annapolis. It was during this time that she met Harry Bly, her husband and partner in life. The couple wed on December 28, 1960, at Kings UMC in Chester, MD. The couple lived in Ohio briefly before returning to Maryland when Harry started working for the Department of Commerce, which later became NOAA. They settled in Clinton, Maryland, where they lived for 30 years and welcomed their two children, Bonnie and Russell. In 1988, Nancy and her family moved to Kent Island, where Mrs. Bly fell in love with the home she and Harry purchased, referring to it as the “greatest gift” she had ever received and was so pleased to once again live on Kent Island. Mrs. Bly was a meticulous homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family and home. Anyone who stopped by for a visit knew Mrs. Bly was never short a slice of cake or pie and a cup of tea to share the afternoon. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were always on her mind, and Mrs. Bly never missed an opportunity to support them in any activities they participated in. As the situation dictated, Mrs. Bly was never far from the ballfield or music performance with a cold or hot beverage and snack. Nancy also cherished the moments spent camping and traveling with her family, particularly to Rocky Gap State Park and Deep Creek Lake. Mrs. Bly created unforgettable memories around a campfire or exploring new places with her family. Frequently, Mrs. Bly would recall fond memories surrounding Bells Church in Camp Springs, MD, and a week never passed that she would not mention Jackie, her twin brother whom she lost in 1991. Mrs. Bly would lovingly comment that every baby born to the family looked “just like Jackie when he was a baby.” Later in life, Mrs. Bly and her husband enjoyed taking trips with friends exploring the Grand Canyon, Washington State, Branson, MO, and Nova Scotia. Mr. and Mrs. Bly would frequently hop in the car to enjoy each other's company and explore the eastern shore. In addition to her family commitments, Mrs. Bly was active in several organizations, including the Museum of Eastern Shore Life, the Stevensville High School Alumni Association, the Kent Island Heritage Society, the Senior Bowling League, and the Kent Island United Methodist Church. Mrs. Bly took great pride in knowing everyone as a greeter at KIUMC on Sundays and supporting Mr. Bly with the Train Show every winter to benefit the Museum of Eastern Shore Life. Mrs. Bly was lovingly married to Harry E. Bly for 62 years, and together, they had two children: Bonnie Bly-Elliott and Russell Bly (Cary). Their family expanded to include six grandchildren: Paul Elliott, Carol Greene (Stephen), David Elliott, Josh Elliott, Branham Bly, and Elizabeth Bly, and two great-grandchildren, Isadora Greene and Kieran Greene. Mrs. Bly is predeceased by her husband, Harry E. Bly, son-in-law Mark Elliott, and her siblings: Mary Anne Trapp, Ruth E. Thompson, William W. Crouch, Jean E. Crouch, Gordon S. Crouch, James R. Crouch, and twin brother Thomas R. Crouch. In addition to her immediate family, numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors will miss her. A funeral will be held on Friday January 3rd, 2025 12noon at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home 106 Shamrock Rd. Chester, MD 21619, with a visitation from 11am-12noon. Interment will immediately follow the service at Stevensville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Stevensville Alumni Association and designating the funds for the Scholarship Fund. Stevensville High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 943 Stevensville, MD 21666.

Nancy Carol Bly

April 25, 1939 - December 24, 2024