Nancy G Cross' Obituary
Obituary for Nancy G. Cross January 19, 1944 – July 30, 2025
Nancy G. Cross, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025, at age 81, with her family by her side.
Born on January 19, 1944, in Washington, D.C., Nancy was the cherished daughter of James P. Giblin and Elizabeth D. Giblin, both of whom predeceased her. Throughout her life, she carried forward their legacy of compassion, resilience, and infectious humor.
Nancy grew up in Milton, Massachusetts, where she spent her childhood summers at the Cape surrounded by extended family, memories she would later call her favorite. After marrying the late Brian J. Cross, the couple briefly lived in Manhattan, New York, before settling into their first home in Middletown, New Jersey, where they raised their family and spent many meaningful years. Following their divorce in the early 1980s, Nancy continued to build a rich life of her own. In 2015, she relocated from New Jersey to Palm Coast, Florida, a place she quickly came to love and call home.
Nancy enjoyed a distinguished career in defense contracting, spending many years with the MITRE Corporation. Known for her intelligence, dedication, and professionalism, she played a meaningful role in supporting national defense efforts and earned the deep respect of her colleagues.
Although Nancy achieved much in her life, earning a college degree, building a successful career, her life was never about accolades. It was about the people who meant the most to her.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter Jeanne Dunning, wife of Steve Dunning, and to her son James Cross. Nancy appreciated Steve’s humor and loved his jokes—which were often inappropriate and always funny—and they brought much laughter and lightness to their time together. She took great pride in James and his accomplishments over the years, especially in his professional life. She was always fascinated by his travels and loved hearing stories from his time abroad.
Jeanne was Nancy’s cherished daily 7 PM call—a comforting ritual that rarely wavered. Family would often joke that these 7 PM calls actually took place at 6 PM, 6:30 PM, 7 PM, and 7:45 PM because there was always so much to share. Their conversations typically covered the day’s events, a review of The Young and the Restless, a bit of politics, and always ended with “I love you.”
Nancy found her greatest joy in being a grandmother to Julia Cross, Duncan Cross, and Steven Dunning. Her love for them was profound, fierce, and unwavering. She beamed with pride at every milestone and accomplishment, no matter how big or small, and delighted in telling anyone within earshot just how amazing they were. She cherished every visit, call, hug, and shared laugh, holding those moments close to her heart. She had already begun planning her summer and fall visits from Julia and Duncan and was eagerly anticipating the next baseball game to watch with Steven. More than anything, Nancy adored being their grandmother. She will miss them the most, but she will always be with them.
Nancy also shared many wonderful years with her life partner, John Lix. Their bond was one of mutual strength, comfort, and joy. John passed away in November 2020, and Nancy held his memory close to her heart for the rest of her days.
She also treasured the unique and enduring relationship she had with her former husband, the late Brian Cross, and his wife, Linda Cross. Over the years, Nancy and Linda developed a meaningful friendship built on mutual respect and warmth. Brian, Douglas, and Patrick Cross, Jeanne and James’ brothers and the children of Brian and Linda, were part of the beautifully blended and supportive extended family they created together. To those who knew Nancy, this closeness made perfect sense. Her deep capacity for love, understanding, and inclusion allowed her to build bridges where others might see boundaries.
In her earlier years, Nancy had a passion for travel. She especially treasured her annual visits to Belgium, where her son James and his family lived for many years. Nancy and John loved to travel together, and their trips, filled with laughter, exploration, and connection, became some of her most cherished memories.
Nancy was also a game night enthusiast. She especially loved playing trivia, where history was her strongest subject—she excelled at it with ease. Pictionary, however, was another story. Drawing was not her gift, and her sketches were rarely easy to guess. But those wild, unrecognizable pictures brought endless laughter to every game night, which was always what mattered most to her.
Shortly before Nancy’s passing, she received a speeding ticket while out for dinner with her longtime friend of 53 years, Ginnie Chalmers. Though she was, in fact, speeding, Nancy and Ginnie were both outraged that the officer didn’t show mercy—after all, she was an “old lady” and there was “no one else on the road!” While in the hospital, Nancy insisted Jeanne pay the ticket before the due date, treating it like an urgent national matter. But, due to her passing, the ticket went unpaid, and now, it never will be. Her family suspects she’d be secretly pleased with that outcome. The infamous ticket will now be framed and hung in her honor, a tribute to Nancy’s final act of rebellion, and we all know it was the last of many.
Nancy will be remembered as a woman of generosity, deep loyalty, and steadfast love. She had an uncanny ability to form meaningful bonds with people—and form them quickly. There are far too many special people in her life to name individually (though she likely kept a detailed list somewhere, just in case). If you were one of them, you already know whom you are, and more importantly, you know just how deeply she cared for you and how completely she made you feel loved. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A private gathering will be held in her honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Nancy’s generous and compassionate spirit.
The world was brighter, kinder, and more joyful with Nancy in it. Heaven has surely gained an unforgettable soul—one who was likely welcomed with open arms, big hugs, and maybe even a game of trivia. Those who went before her have missed her dearly, and now, they get to laugh with her once more.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
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