Nancy M. Pilla-Shanley

Nancy Marie “Nina” Pilla-Shanley, 77, of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Christmas Day, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. 

She is survived by her loving husband, of 35 years, Dr. James Shanley, Sr.; three cherished stepsons; James (Tracy Mercer) of Windham, NH, Jason (Donna) of Londonderry, NH, and Padraic (Kimberley) of Pembroke, MA, Andreana Santangelo of Middleton, MA; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Luca, Gabriella, Robert, Morgan, Jason, Padraic, Jr., Daniel, and Abigail.

A child prodigy, Nina began studying ballet at the age of 7 and quickly captivated audiences with her extraordinary talent. Just before her first performance, E. Virginia Williams suggested that she change her first name to Nina and add an "R" to Pilla, thus creating her stage name, Nina Pillar. From that moment on, Nina was known by this name to all, including friends and family.

At the age of 13, she danced her first principal role and, by 1963, made her professional debut with the Boston Ballet, performing the role of Lisette in La Fille Mal Gardée. Nina’s brilliance on stage led her to become the Boston Ballet's first prima ballerina, an achievement that marked her as one of the foremost dancers of her time.

Under the mentorship Mme. Ana Roje, Nina continued to grow both as a performer and a teacher. She carried on the legacy of Nicholas Legat, performing and teaching the renowned Legat system, further solidifying her standing in the ballet world.

In addition to her career on stage, Nina was passionate about passing on her knowledge to the next generation. She owned and operated several dance studios, the Ballet Master of the Legat System at CYDP Dance Company of Cambridge, MA, where she shared her expertise and love with students of all ages.

Nina’s legacy as an artist, mentor, and loving wife, mother and grandmother will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family and friends will remember her not only for her incredible accomplishments but also for the humor, quick wit, grace, kindness, and strength she carried with her throughout her life.

Predeceased family members Josephine Pisarro Pilla and Vincent James Pilla of Milford MA.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in St, Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Milford.

A calling hour will precede the funeral Mass from 9 to 10 A.M. at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Boston Ballet via www.BostonBallet.org or to the Cambridge Youth Dance Company via www.cydp.org