The city of Sanibel mourns the loss of former mayor Nola Theiss, who died on Dec. 18.
She was 77.
“Nola Theiss was a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and compassionate leader whose impact was felt both locally and far beyond Sanibel,” the city said in a prepared statement.
Theiss was elected to the Sanibel City Council in 1998, where she served until March 2003. During her tenure, she served two terms as Sanibel mayor, from November 2000 through December 2002.
Reflecting on her service to the community, Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller spoke on behalf of the Sanibel City Council, emphasizing her effectiveness as a local leader and her broader influence beyond the island.
“Our community was saddened to learn of the passing of former mayor Nola Theiss. Nola was a very effective leader in our city, serving for four years on City Council including two years as mayor. Her impact on our society went way beyond Sanibel, though, as she established networks to advocate for those marginalized by human trafficking. Her voice and quiet strength will be missed by many,” he said.
In addition to her municipal service, Theiss was deeply committed to humanitarian causes. She was an active member of the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and founded the nonprofit organization Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships. Through this work, she helped build awareness and establish partnerships dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
Councilmember Laura DeBruce, a member of the Zonta Club, reflected on Theiss’s lasting influence as both a trusted community leader and a global advocate for women and vulnerable populations.
“Mayor Theiss was an excellent representative of our island and a leading humanitarian in her efforts to combat human trafficking. Through her participation in Zonta, she inspired and supported many women both on Sanibel and around the world,” she said.
The city extends its deepest condolences to Theiss’s family, friends and all who were touched by her leadership, service and compassion. Her legacy of civic engagement and advocacy will continue to be remembered and honored by the community.
Theiss and her family moved to Sanibel in 1996.
“As an active member of the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, Nola was a fierce advocate for women and girls and was the founder of the non-profit organization Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships,” her obituary states. “Nola will be remembered for her tireless devotion to the causes she loved and her larger-than-life personality.”
She is survived by her husband, Harold Theiss; daughters, Elizabeth Fordham-Theiss and Joanna Theiss; sons-in-law, Marc Fordham and Shawn Higgins; and her four beloved grandchildren, Indigo Fordham-Theiss, Zell Fordham-Theiss, Soleil Fordham-Theiss and Nola Higgins.
No services have been posted.
Memories and other memorials may be posted at https://www.mossfeaster.com/obituaries/nola-theiss/obituary.