Nancy H Gormley

Nancy Ann Hanlon Gormley passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2013. She was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to the late John Francis and Anna (Clark) Hanlon. She was predeceased by her husband, James J. Gormley, in 2008. She is survived by Mr. Gormley's family members.   Nancy lived in Greenwich, Connecticut until age 9, when her family moved to Bellevue Hall farm in Wilmington DE where her father worked for William duPont, Jr. managing the care of his thoroughbred racehorses.   Nancy grew up riding ponies and horses, first in Greenwich and then at Bellevue. She was an avid follower of horse racing, and had a vast historical knowledge of stakes winners; her late uncle,  Richard E. Handlen, was the only trainer in history to win the two most prestigious races in California at Santa Anita racetrack. In 1937, the horse he trained, Rosemont, beat Seabiscuit by a nose and Mr. Handlen was noted by the Los Angeles Times to be "one of the best trainers in America".   She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and subsequently began her career with Richards, Layton, and Finger law firm, from which she retired. Nancy had a lifelong love of flowers, fashion, fine food, horses, and dogs, and leaves behind her two Lakeland terriers, Robin and Liam. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She will be missed by her many friends and neighbors.   Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 am on Friday, August 30, at St. Helena's Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Millbrook, NY will be 11 AM Thursday, September 5, 2013. Contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to St. Helena's Parish (602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809) or to the American Steeplechase Injured Jockey's fund (P.O. Box 270, Northville, NY 12134). Visitation: 10-11 AM Friday 8-30-13  Funeral Mass: 11 AM Friday Place:  St. Helena's Church Interment:  Private in Millbrook, NY Contributions:  See Obit