Lelya McCann Nudelman

It is with sad and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lelya McCann Nudelman, 76, of Lakeland, Florida. Lelya passed May 24, departing this mortal coil freely and peacefully in the comforting and loving presence of her daughter Kim, partner Denny, and sister Melanie.

Born in Barwick, Georgia, May 31, 1948, Lelya moved to Lakeland in 1967, where she graduated from Polk Community College with a degree in Nursing. Lelya tirelessly served at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for 40 years, where, as a true night owl, she spent the entirety of her nursing career working the night shift, providing comfort and care for thousands of patients, and essential assistance for an untold number of doctors.

Lelya was a softspoken, lighthearted, free spirited woman, dedicated partner, and supportive and encouraging mother who enjoyed an easygoing life. She loved her home life, the beach, travel, all flora and fauna. Lelya was a proud and supportive Mom to her daughter, Kim, who embodies her mother’s sweetness and independence. Lelya cherished the comfort of life with Denny, her companion of more than 40 years, and was at home in nature, with a genuine appreciation for plants, particularly exotics, orchids, and succulents, which she enjoyed planting in the yard (especially newfound varieties). A true lover of animals, Lelya leaves behind her beloved (and spoiled!) dog Totch, along with a life full of beloved and well cared for pets. Lelya was an avid reader and thrifter, always treating outings as a treasure hunt. Those in her inner circle also know she was an excellent southern cook, whose specialties included homemade potato salad, fried green tomatoes, chicken and dressing, cube steak, and grilled steak, and, while she didn’t enjoy cooking it, she loved her some fried chicken! And, as all who loved her know well, not a day passed, nor was a thing done, before meeting Leyla’s demand for morning coffee! Over the decades, Lelya took every opportunity to travel, exploring coastal destinations throughout Florida, from Key West, to Sanibel, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Fort De Soto, Pass-A-Grille, St. Pete Beach, Sunset Beach, Weeki Wachee, Crystal Springs, Cedar Key, Ichetucknee Springs, all the way to St. George Island, where she spent many trips with her beloved and lifelong friend Bonny (a second mother to Kim), and many girls’ trips, from Florida to Biloxi to Las Vegas to California, from Mexico to the Bahamas to trekking Europe, with her friends and fellow nurses, who affectionately referred to her as Nudel. Never one to shy away from adventure, Lelya fully embraced her opportunities to swim, snorkel, tube, canoe, bike ride, scooter, enjoy an ice-cold margarita, go to a good concert, sleep in (late!), and share stories and fun with family and friends.

A loving mother, generous partner, supportive sister, dedicated family member, ‘beautiful’ friend, and committed caregiver, Lelya’s kindness, compassion, humility, generosity of spirit, and sense of humor (including an always innocent willingness to laugh at herself) will be most fondly remembered and deeply and forever missed by all who knew and loved her, especially those now mourning the loss of her kind and loving soul.

Lelya is predeceased by parents Hugh and Geraldine (Hobbs) McCann, brothers Billy, Bobby, and Hugh E. Jr., and sister Gail Tinsley. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Casey, life companion Denny Sterling, brother I.J. McCann, sister Melanie (Jimmy) Webb, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held in the fall. For those inclined, in lieu of flowers, donations in Lelya’s name can be made to Rosewood Cemetery, PO Box 91, Barwick, Georgia 31720.

A heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers who provided comfort and support for Lelya (and family) during these last months. We are grateful for your dedication to helping her and for your life of service caring for others.

Lelya’s goodness lives on for us. We take much needed solace in knowing her spirit remains on every beach she visited, in every garden she tended, in every animal she adored, in every heart she touched. Lelya/Mom/Nudel will be remembered always with fondness and joy and happy laughter.

From one of Lelya’s favorite musicians, Tom Petty…

You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea

Far away from your trouble and worry

You belong somewhere you feel free