Nancy Cella Shogry

Nancy Cella Shogry, 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 9:50 AM at Roper Hospital.

Born on June 20, 1938, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Nancy was the daughter of the late Eva Elizabeth (Broderick) Cella and Mario John Cella.

Animals were always a part of Nancy's life. She spent countless hours riding her Quarter Horse, Chester, chasing after "the smartest terrier ever," Ring on her family’s farm in Lenox, Ma. If there was an animal in need, Nancy was there to save it. She cherished her cats, Sassy and Smokey. Nancy loved watching birds and trying to identify them. Even in her final hours, she shared memories of her beloved four-legged babies!

Her desire to care for people began with taking care of her “baby brother” Butch, as she was 10 years old when he arrived. As a result, she chose to pursue nursing, the ideal career choice for her. One of Nancy's proudest accomplishments was becoming a registered nurse (RN) in 1959.

Nancy eloped with the love of her life, Richard Louis Shogry, in 1959. Later that year they welcomed Debbie, the first of their cherished three daughters. In 1961, Richard convinced the "damn Yankee" to make the move to Charleston, South Carolina, and they put down permanent roots on James Island. When Nancy was not helping Richard start his businesses, she was busy volunteering with the Girl Scouts, Crisis Ministries, the Church of the Nativity and anything with which her children were involved. Because of her constant involvement in her daughter’s lives, their friends became her children as well. She loved Torry Guerry Dotson (“Tor”), Lisa Sturcken Baggett (“Lee”), and Kerri Wilson Bailey as if we they were her own.

With the birth of her first grandchild, Stratton (“Boo”), Nancy morphed into "Nanie." Her grandchildren loved spending time with their Nanie, and she was their biggest fan. She could always be seen cheering them on in the stands of all their numerous sporting events. Nanie loved being surrounded by her large family at family dinners, and she went “all in” celebrating the holidays! She was an avid baker, and her pound cakes were requested as gifts for all occasions. Nanie became a UNC basketball fan in the 1970s and never stopped cheering for her Tar Heels. She loved arguing about basketball with her nephew John Kammeyer, an avid Duke fan! March madness was one of her favorite seasons, second only to NASCAR season!

Nancy reimagined her career in her 50’s and became the Daycare Director at Nativity School. There, she quickly became a second mother to “her kids.” Long after she retired, when “Miss Nancy” was seen on James Island, she would get hugs from the grown children for whom she had once cared in the daycare.

Nancy was a woman of remarkable strength, sass, and resilience. She said what she thought, without apology. She found a special group of friends at Weight Watchers, to whom she fondly referred as “the gang!” After their Weight Watchers’ meetings, they went out to dinner to celebrate. One night they went out to the car of one of “the gang” members and enjoyed a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts without shame! Nancy loved her family and friends fiercely….and there was never a doubt about it. Her devotion to those she loved was unwavering and defined her life. Many referred to her as “one of a kind!”

After being admitted to Roper Hospital on February 20th and enduring a very difficult week with the toughness that defined her, she passed with peace and dignity. Even in her final days, though her body grew tired, she always remained deeply connected to those she loved.

Nancy happily lived the last several months of her life at the Brookdale Assisted Living Facility where she made many dear friends, to include her wonderful caregivers. The family thanks them for loving her. The family is extremely grateful to her wonderful nurses and physicians at Roper Hospital for providing excellent care for her and for providing kindness, patience, and gentleness to those who loved her. The family also thanks the Roper Hospice team for ensuring Nancy’s comfort as she transitioned.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her infant sister Ann, and her former husband Richard Shogry, with whom she remained close until his death in 2003.

Nancy is survived by her three daughters, Deborah Blalock (Mark), Lisa Savage (David), and Mimi Dorman (Matt); her brother Paul Cella (Sue); her grandchildren, Stratton Damewood (Jenny), Chelsea White (Tyler), Nick DiNovo, Tal Blalock (Hali), Tyrie Blalock (Becca), Rachael Savage (Sam), Victoria Savage (fiancé Erik), Jonathan Savage, Hana Dorman, and Max Dorman; and her great-grandchildren, Aiden Damewood, Sonnet Damewood, Wiley Emmett, Sam Blalock and Pippa Blalock; and numerous close nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on March 5, 2026, from 12 PM-2 PM at McAllister-Smith Funeral Home-James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The Nurses Honor Guard of South Carolina will pay tribute to Nancy’s service as a nurse at 1 PM. Nancy loved bright colors and spring flowers, so we will celebrate Nancy’s life with colorful joy (please no somber colors)!

In lieu of flowers, Nancy humbly requested that memorial contributions be made to the Charleston Animal Society (www.charlestonanimalsociety.org) or to the Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina Service Center (www.girlscoutsesc.org).

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation-James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.