Nancy Ann (Golden) Waspi

Nancy Golden Waspi, of Lake Geneva, WI, peacefully passed away on May 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 11, 1955 in San Fernando, California to Myrtle Genevieve Butler and Peter Joseph Golden, the family moved to Richmond, Illinois in 1965. Nancy graduated from Richmond High School in 1973, where she met and married her first husband, Charles Robert Waspi. Together they had three wonderful children: Edward, Brian, and Pepper. Pepper blessed Nancy with two grandchildren, Jayne Ann and Evan Edward.

A true self-starter, Nancy made her way as a single-mother and fearless entrepreneur for much of her life. She worked multiple jobs to put herself through beauty school, eventually making a name for herself and impacting the professional nail industry in the 1980s. She built successful sales teams for industry giants like Creative Nail Design, Aerial, Pro Finish, Nail Tech, and Dashing Diva. After retiring from the beauty industry, Nancy’s dream of owning a Bed & Breakfast became a reality. She owned and operated the Golden Oaks Mansion (currently Maxwell Mansion) in Lake Geneva for nearly a decade. Known for her passionate work ethic, attention to detail and vibrant engaging personality, she hosted countless memorable parties and events at the beautifully restored popular venue.

Nancy's passion for helping others continued and led her to co-found the Santa Cause charity while working for Gage Marine in Williams Bay, WI. As the Santa Cause chairwoman and executive director, Nancy created fundraising events for numerous Walworth County charities supporting children of all ages. As a visionary, Nancy was proud of the fundraising initiatives that raised over $700k for local charities through spectacular community events, including the annual tree festival at Gage Marine, Williams Bay Farmer’s Market, and Freezin’ for a Reason. She was actively involved in many local organizations, including WBBA, Women’s League and networking groups.

Nancy lived her life with passion, love and conviction. She followed her heart towards helping others. As a natural-born educator, she committed her life and career to Reiki energy healing. As a Reiki Master and teacher, she dedicated her later years to her Golden University, treating clients and hosting healing retreats in her favorite place on earth, Sedona, AZ. Never sitting still, her family would joke that the book of Nancy’s life would be titled, “101 Ways to Reinvent Yourself.”

In her personal life, Nancy was an intrepid traveler who loved quality time with her family and friends, her beloved dog Chloe, hiking, meditation, learning and fine wine. Above all, she loved her family and always sought reasons to gather with loved ones. Nancy is survived by her three children: Edward Waspi (Christy), Brian Waspi (Mary), and Pepper Reicher (Todd); her two grandchildren, Jayne and Evan; her much-loved dog, Chloe and a great big wonderful, crazy Irish extended family.

Nancy's legacy of love, light, adventure, laughter and endless energy will be remembered by everyone she touched. She lived a life full of reinvention and dedication, leaving behind a treasure trove of awards, accolades, memories, and most importantly, a lasting impact on her community and loved ones. May her life inspire others to give back to their family, friends and community.

The celebration honoring Nancy's beautiful life will be held on June 19th at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, WI, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you make a donation to the Santa Cause an organization that Nancy was passionate about.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Nancy's family.