Nina Pilon

Nina Elizabeth Pilon passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Safety Harbor, Florida, just shy of her 79th birthday. Born on November 11, 1946, in Joppa, Illinois, Nina lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and an unwavering zest for life.

Nina's early years were spent in Illinois, where she attended Manteno schools before graduating from Maine East in Park Ridge in 1964. Her professional journey led her to a long and fulfilling career with Accenture (formerly Arthur Andersen), where she worked extensively with telephone communication systems. Nina often spoke fondly of her time there, reflecting on the challenges and camaraderie that defined her working years. After retiring from her career, she redirected her boundless energy into causes close to her heart.

A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Nina was active with the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee and the Belleair Women's Republican Club. She dedicated countless hours volunteering for political campaigns and community initiatives—always ready to lend her time and talents to efforts she believed in.

Family was at the center of Nina's world. She is lovingly remembered by her children: son Todd McDonald and his wife Julia; daughter Gail McDonald; daughter Brenda Kamerer and her husband Kevin; and son-in-law Larry Zurek. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Kyra, Jamie, Max, Shelby, Kelsey, and Kortney; great-grandchildren Delilah, Luisa, Jade, Kindan, Hailey, and Jace; and great-great-granddaughter Nina Grace.

She joins in rest her beloved daughter Maureen Zurek; grandson Max McDonald; husband Daniel "Lee" Pilon; stepdaughter Megan McDonald; mother Myrna Palmer and stepfather Lowell Palmer; father Robert Ragsdale; sister Georgia Ragsdale; as well as previous husbands Bill Wingard and Robert McDonald.

Nina was a woman who embraced life with unmatched vitality. Known for doing at least three things at the same time, she filled every moment with purpose. Whether surrounded by family or friends (or dolphins), she brought warmth and laughter wherever she went. Her home was always open—a haven for many over the years—and she had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome. She was the hostess and the party all at once.

Her roles were many: sister, daughter, mother, wife, friend, workaholic, storyteller, fighter, provider—and survivor. She was fierce in conviction and strong in spirit until the very end.

Though Nina-Mom-Grams may now be silent in voice, she will forever echo in joyful memories shared by those whose lives she touched. Her presence remains just a quick call away in spirit—a source of strength and love that will endure across generations.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to all who carry forward the light she so brightly shone.

All are invited to the graveside service on Friday, February 13th, 2:30pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL. Following the service will be a Celebration of Life, welcome to all, at 4:30pm at The American Legion, 600 American Legion Dr., Madeira Beach, FL.

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