In Loving Memory of Nanci Gavin

February 13, 1936 – April 14, 2026

Nanci Gavin, a lifelong resident of the Northport and Huntington areas, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 90. A woman of spirited independence and curiosity, Nanci spent her youth sailing the waters of Northport Harbor and later exploring the farthest corners of the globe.

A Life of Adventure

She had a lifelong love of travel and took a job as an American Express travel agent primarily for the perks - which she abused mercilessly. She visited China, Russia, India, Hong Kong, and Peru among many other exotic destinations. She climbed the Great Wall of China, passed through the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie, and sunned herself on the Incan stone walls of Machu Picchu.

A Passion for Four-Legged Friends

When she wasn't halfway across the world, Nanci was likely befriending a local dog. Though she worked as a pet sitter, it was a poorly kept secret that she would have gladly paid her clients for the pleasure of caring for their dogs. She had a particular weakness for Golden Retrievers; no stroll was complete without her stopping to offer a warm "hi" to every dog she encountered.

Family

Nanci is survived by a large and loving family who will miss her wit and adventurous soul:

Children: Greg, Justin, and Regis Gavin.

Daughters-in-law: Donna, Karen Gavin

Sister: Lani Shelare.

Grandchildren: Tripp, Nick, Will, and Lily Gavin.

Great-Grandchildren: Quinn, Jack, and Blake Gavin.

Memorial Donations

In honor of Nanci’s lifelong devotion to animals, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the North Shore Animal League.

https://www.animalleague.org/ways-to-give/