Nancy Jane (Darby) BloodgoodDarby passed away at home on April 3, 2011 surrounded by her family. She was born in Teaneck, New Jersey on September 5, 1946. After moving to Jacksonville she graduated from Ribault High School and University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received the Distinguished Alumni award in 1992 from the University of North Florida. She married Richard (Dick) in 1971. She was a dynamic, witty and intelligent woman with a passion for people and a love for traveling. Her drive motivated her into building mini storages, developing real estate, investing in property and many entrepreneur projects. Through her years she helped raise three stepchildren and cared for her parents and in-laws. She received the key to the City of Keystone Heights in 1996 for helping give downtown a new look of elegance and charm and other contributions to the community. In 2010 she received honors for her involvement in downtown Community Redevelopment in Keystone Heights. She was a member on the Board of Directors of Merchants and Southern Bank. Her passion for animals led her to create a local Humane Society. She was very talented in art and painting with an imagination that had no end. She designed and co-built her beautiful home where she lived. The doctors and nurses at Shands said they have never experienced a more courageous and positive woman who survived five years of leukemia. One of her key doctors said she has inspired him to cure MDS/leukemia. Darby is survived by her husband Dick of 41 years, her parents Ed and Jane Nelson of Keystone Heights. Three sisters: Barby Mains (David) of Ocala, Karen Nelson of Keystone Heights and Cindy Machupa (Nick) of Gainesville. Three step children: Alisan Patten (Mike) of Arizona, Betsy Mitchell (Mark) of New York and Brian Bloodgood (Monica) of California, six grandchildren: Brendon, Ryan, Julia, Anna, Sierra, Gunnison and nine nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please donate to Shands at UF Gainesville, Shands Integrative Medicine Program (which Darby was very involved), Attention: Mr. Ralph Alee, Senior Director, Office of Development, and P. O. Box 100386, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0386. There will be a Celebration of her life on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm at her home located at 6628 Woodland Drive, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656 (casual attire). Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com hide