January 20, 1949 – April 16, 2024
Nancy Lee Callis, 75, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at her home in Boulder, Colorado after a courageous 23-month battle with cancer. She was born in 1949 to Bud and Betty Holliday and grew up in Zion, Illinois along with her sister and brother.
Nancy had a passion for teaching which led to a lifelong career in education. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
A born teacher, she excelled at inspiring students to see education as the best investment in their futures and brought her unique energy, enthusiasm and commitment to all the students she taught. She taught language arts in middle school, first in Libertyville, then in Manteno, Illinois. When she moved to Colorado she continued teaching at Westlake Middle School in Broomfield, Colorado. She headed the English department and coordinated holiday Madrigal programs for many years.
Nancy married Bob Callis in 1982. After a few years in Illinois, they moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1984. Two years later they bought their forever home in Boulder Heights.
In addition to her teaching career of 33 years, Nancy was active in participating in book club, Pine Needlers stitching group and creating handcrafted stitched items for the Boulder Mountain Fire Departments Auxiliary’s annual market for artisan goods with proceeds going to the Boulder Mountain Fire Department.
Nancy loved to travel and see the West. She also loved her annual trips to Charleston, South Carolina.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Bob Callis of Boulder, Colorado, stepson, Steve Tibaldo and Pam and grandchildren of Athens, Alabama, as well as stepdaughter Christine Arndt and her husband Bob of Grayslake, Illinois; and stepsons Rob Callis of Bloomington, Illinois and Michael Callis, wife Sarah and grandchildren of Orland Park, Illinois.
Also survived by her sister Joan Holliday (Bryan Nelson} of Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin, and brother Bill Holliday (Kathy Holliday) of Rockford, Illinois and nephews David Holliday (April Holliday) of Roscoe, Illinois, Sam Holliday of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, Ben Holliday of Rockford, Illinois, John Holliday of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and nieces Alina Holliday of Rockford, Illinois, and Cecily Holliday of Xenia, Ohio.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Bud and Betty Holliday.
A service of remembrance is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 2 pm at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, Colorado.
Donations in Nancy’s name may be made to the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District Auxiliary at 1905 Linden Drive, Boulder, CO 80304
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