Nancy Rafter Wilkinson

"Everyday above ground is a good one." Something Nancy Rafter Wilkinson, born April 7, 1950 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, would say every time someone asked her how her day was going. Unfortunately, for Nancy's friends, family, and loved ones, she had a bad day on February 24, 2017, in which she entered eternal peace.

During all the other good days she had, Nancy taught her loved ones a number of valuable lessons. They included the following: (1) Smile at a stranger every day. You never know what someone is going through and that simple kindness "may make their day"; (2) Love life. Nancy did. She taught her loved ones to pick a good Scotch, how to appreciate riding on a horse at a full gallop through an open field, and most importantly, the gratitude you feel when giving to others; (3) Along those same lines – be generous. Give every single homeless person and charity money that asks. No matter what your skeptical daughter says they actually do with it, simply because "it's the right thing to do"; (4) With that being said, appreciate what you have every day. She always told others that "tomorrow is not promised." Hug the ones you love every day; if you have to tell someone something, say it; and don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Nancy did those things – Every. Single. Day; (5) Lastly, and most importantly, if you are having a hard time deciding on a good scotch, definitely go with the Glenlivet.

To Nancy's dismay, who always told her family to stuff her and put her somewhere near a good jukebox, her family has decided to follow a more traditional path. She will be interred at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with her deceased husband, dance and debate partner, Billy Eugene Wilkinson. In addition, Nancy was predeceased by her mother, father, daughter, and sister. She is survived by her daughter Anne Izzo, grandson Bentley Izzo (who, much to her daughter's dismay and utter delight, is exactly like his grandmother), son-in-law Justin Izzo, nieces Jennifer Long and Josephine Long, nephew Brian Cubbage, and great family friends Leon Silberman and Marianne Kidd.

Nancy's mass service will be held by her great friends at St. Patrick's in Havre de Grace. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to B-More Dog at 3717 Boston Street, #253, Baltimore, MD 21224. As Nancy always loved a good party, once her service is scheduled, her family will take everyone out for lunch and drinks afterwards.