On September 22nd, 2026, Edna May Nute peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by close friends and her beloved rescue cats. She was 85 years old.

Edna was born on 12/31/1940 in Los Angeles, California, and grew up with a lifelong love of sports, animals, and teaching. She graduated from Baldwin Park High School, Baldwin Park, California. Her passion for sports brought her into the company of some remarkable people, including Billie Jean King and Darlene Hard. She loved being around the excitement of sports and the people who shared her enthusiasm.

Later, while living in New York, Edna shared many fun times and her beloved cat, “Feisty,” with Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Edna continued her education, earning a Master’s degree in Education from the University of South Alabama in 1981. In 1980, she moved to Williston, Florida and settled on a farm, where she was finally able to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams—owning horses. Her love of animals was never limited to those who were easy to care for; she had a special place in her heart for those who needed her most.

She went on to earn a post-baccalaureate degree in Education for Special Needs children from the University of Florida in 1985. After briefly teaching at the Women’s Correctional facility in Lowell, Florida, she began teaching Physical Education at Wyomina Park Elementary School in Ocala, where she remained from 1985 until her retirement in 2004.

But perhaps nothing captured Edna’s heart more completely than her work with cats. She was the CEO and Founder of Feisty Acres No-Kill Non-Profit Cat and Kitten Rescue, the first organization of its kind in the Williston area. What began with her love for animals grew into a mission that changed the lives of several hundred cats and kittens. She rescued them, cared for them, and found them loving homes.

Edna never believed that an animal was too sick, too injured, or too difficult to save. Cats who were crippled, blind, or seriously ill were welcomed with the same compassion as any other. She believed that every cat deserved a chance and, as she often said, they all deserved “the best life possible.” She gave them exactly that.

Edna had an extraordinarily generous spirit. She gave freely of her time, her possessions, her resources, and most of all, her heart. No one came close to outgiving her. If someone needed something and she had it to give, she gave it. Her kindness touched not only the animals she rescued, but also the many people whose lives she crossed along the way.

She is survived by her sister Jacqueline Sweet and her children Steve, Jean, and Jerry and sister Nancy Sheldon and her children Jeremiah, Samantha and Matthew.

Edna leaves behind many family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and, most importantly, countless animals who are alive and loved because she cared enough to save them. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her—and by the rescue cats who were so fortunate to call her their protector.

Her life was a life of compassion, generosity, determination, and an unwavering belief that every living creature deserved love.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be posted on Edna's obituary on the Weems & Sons Funeral Homes website when the date is scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending gift cards for cat supplies to 4451 NE 147th Court, Williston, Fl 32696 or making a donation to EARs, Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, PO Box 306, Citra, FL 32113 (Donate - Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary | Exotic Animal Rescue in Citra, FL) in Edna’s memory. In doing so, you will help continue the work that meant so much to her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Weems & Sons Funeral Homes, 512 E. Noble Ave. Williston, FL 32696

Edna Nute

December 31, 1940 - September 22, 2026

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