Nancy Jo Eller

Nancy Jo Eller, 73, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away at her home on Aug. 13, 2025, following a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born June 3, 1952, in Easton, Pennsylvania, to parents Evelyn and Robert Eller.

Nancy is survived by Robert (Bob) Knowlden, her husband and dance partner since 1989, her sister and best friend, Sally Eller McNeill (Bobby), niece Kristin McNeill Smith (Patrick), nephew Matthew Mc-Neill (Monica), and six great nieces and nephew. Nancy is also survived by her “inherited” family: stepsons James (Catherine) and Thomas Knowlden and granddaughters, Sarah and Jessica Knowlden.

Nancy’s childhood was spent in Wilmington, De., Milwaukee, Wi., and Kinnelon, N.J. In 1974, Nancy graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., with a BA in English. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Her first full-time job was teaching English at Governor Thomas Johnson Junior High in Frederick. In 1981, she moved to Philadelphia to pursue an MBA (Finance) at Wharton Business School (U. of PA), graduating in 1983.

Nancy’s early business career included financial management positions at MCI Telecommunications, Earle Palmer Brown Advertising, and Washington International Teleport. From 1991-2013, she was co-owner and CFO of CPR Multimedia Solutions in Gaithersburg. In 1999, Nancy moved back to Frederick. Following retirement, she renovated three properties in downtown Frederick, operating as https://FrederickVacationRentals. com. Nancy was an active member of the Rotary of Carroll Creek since 2003 and the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick. She was a graduate of Leadership Frederick County, Class of 2023-24.

Nancy was a unique individual whose life was a wonderful adventure filled with a multitude of friends and a wealth of amazing experiences. Her closest friends included her sorority sisters, bridge club, Rogue Hat group and Rotary club. She embraced life to its fullest. As her illness progressed she was generous beyond belief, giving away many of her possessions. She said it made her feel good to find loving homes for the things she cherished.

Nancy was passionate about live music, dancing and theater. From the 1970s to the 1990s, she performed in many college and community productions. She loved to plan gatherings and trips for family and friends, all of which included lots of games and prizes. She was a lifetime reader and an enthusiastic bridge player, sailor, scuba diver and a N.Y. Times Sunday crossword puzzler. Nancy loved to travel and was ready to embark on a new excursion at a moment’s notice. She especially loved LBI, Hawaii, the Mediterranean and all Caribbean Islands. Nancy and Bob were frequent cruisers, enjoying the many opportunities to swing dance on board.

Nancy remained positive throughout her treatments and was an inspiration to everyone. She felt blessed for the extra time she was given to take care of her affairs and to say her goodbyes. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful people who gave of their time and prayers during Nancy’s illness.

A celebration of life will be held in the Catoctin Chapel at Resthaven in Frederick at a future date and a memorial service later in N.C. Messages to the family can be posted on the Resthaven website.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Carroll Creek Rotary or Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick, MD.