Nancy Lou Day

August 3, 1951—September 25, 2020

Most important to Nancy is her Family, starting with her Husband, John Kenneth Day. Their love and marriage is inspiring, dreamy and makes everyone’s hearts happy. Cherishing and taking care of each other in the most personalized ways. Spoiling each other… but never becoming rotten (Well, maybe John could be a little rotten sometimes 😊)!

While John has always been the hard working , handy, can do and fix everything kind of Husband… Nancy has always been the take care of the Husband, children and house kind of woman. Not to say that Nancy was a housewife… although she would make a great one, she also worked and worked hard. They made all decisions and executed everything in life together. These instilled values are evident within the marriages of their Children.

It is difficult to speak about Nancy independently, because John is literally the true example of the saying, her “other half”. There is comfort knowing her spirit lives on in him. You will need to forgive that Nancy will be referred to as “they” and “their”, because her and John are one.

John and Nancy eloped in Las Vegas in 1970. They enjoyed their child-free life for the beginning of their marriage, until having their first child in 1974, John Russel Day (Also known as JR). JR was an only child until Gregory Allen Day was born in 1977.

John and Nancy provided a life full of travel with a variety of experiences for their children. They took it seriously to spend time and teach their boys. Nancy joined alongside John in all their adventures. Fishing, cars, snorkeling, hunting, camping, traveling... All things that the Family will continue to do. While raising their boys, friends were welcomed with open arms. This created lifetime relationships and these friends are still currently considered part of the Day Family. Nancy’s Children don’t just love her… they know her, they were provided by her, they have gained life lasting wisdom from her, they are another portion of her light that will continue to shine.

John and Nancy gained a Daughter in Law when JR married Elizabeth Day. They became Grandparents a little late in life. It had started to appear that they may never have Grandchildren. They gained another Daughter in Law when Greg married Marci Day... and all at once, they had three Grandchildren… Dezari Huckleberry, Allisyn Ando and Cooper Day. Gramma and Papa accepted Marci and their Grandkids without hesitation. They jumped right on the Grandparent Train! Although, this was just the beginning! Soon after, they gained three more Grandkids! Sophia and Michael Day, from JR. And, Brodi Day, from Greg. Life sure had changed… 6 Grandkids! But wait! Just when they thought they had it all… Dezari and her significant other, Brian Herzberg turned them into Great Grandparents! Braiden Herzberg was born!

The grandkids are going to miss out so much by her not being around. The kind of Grandma that would get on the floor to play, play make-believe, put on a bathing suit and jump in the pool. Filling in for Mom and Dad whenever possible, taking the kids to the movies, McDonald’s (of course), swimming lessons, football practice and baseball practice. Showing up for everything. Proudly wearing her Grandma shirts as often as possible and making sure to have her mismatched socks on for Down Syndrome Awareness day. Birthday cakes for the kids every year and playing Santa's Elf with Santa every Christmas (shshshsh, the kids don’t know). Crocheting personalized beanies and blankets for them, handmade face masks for everyone, and souvenirs delivered with Papa after every trip they took together. Holidays always made to be very special with their own little traditions added on. On missions to make everything special for the Grandkids (of course, you guessed it, alongside Papa). Spoiling them with love and thoughtfulness. Setting an example for her Grandchildren of how to be moral, dependable, honest, kind and fun people. Gramma’s spirit will very proudly be carried on by all of them.

John and Nancy have lived their life as a kind, helpful and considerate duo. They have always taken it very seriously to treat others as they would want to be treated. Always caught helping everyone around them. If John couldn’t provide the type of help needed, Nancy sure would. Encouraging each other, which in turn encouraged their children and created a domino effect. That domino effect continues to exist within our Family now.

John and Nancy have always had their close Family and close Friends. They have treasured the good times and been on many adventures with others. To name a few… bonsai trips to Vegas and the casino’s, gag gifts and get-togethers, street parties and barbequed frogs, watching children grow up and showing up for what’s important, vacations and getaways, capturing memories and special moments. Everything they have done has been to benefit others. Whether for close loved ones, neighbors, friends, co-workers, strangers, or each other.

Nancy watched out for you even if you didn’t know it. Yes, if you are reading this, we are talking about you. She loved to surprise people and gift to others. Amazing on a sewing machine, with crochet hooks and in the kitchen. Naturally no nonsense, drama-free and appreciated. A strong woman and highly intelligent. Not to mention funny and quick witted with thick skin. She would do the fun and funny things that others might shy away from.

This has been a very devastating and unexpected loss. As much as can be said, there is not enough words that can express how special she is. The impact she had on all of us is very evident very often. Losing her will be felt for a lifetime. It is unimaginable that a single day could pass without thinking of her and missing her immensely.

Nancy passed away knowing that she is loved, honored, respected and cherished by her Husband, her Family, her Friends and everyone else that had the privilege to know her. Although she was not taken for granted, it becomes more evident by the moment what she contributed to all of our lives. Nancy is, and will ALWAYS be, a true blessing to all of us.

We love you forever. We will miss you until it is our time to see you again…

Nancy, Babe, Mom, Gramma, Aunt, Cousin, Sister, Friend, Boss, Nanners, Nana Banana