Nancy Jane Rowley

Nancy Jane (Holm) Rowley was absolutely the most loving wife, caring mother, thoughtful Nana, beloved sister, cherished daughter and loyal friend. Much too suddenly and too soon, she joined the angels and saints in Heaven on January 10, 2021, at the age of 56. She was a truly warm-hearted, kind and vibrant woman who left a positive mark on everyone she ever met.

Born as the youngest of four children (Dave, John and Mark), Nancy made her way into the world May 1, 1964, to the proud parents, John “Jack” and Rita Holm, in the town of Geneva, Illinois. Nancy inherited her mother’s beauty, both inside and out, and her father’s quick wit. Jack and Rita instilled in Nancy a devout Catholic faith and strong emphasis on family. She attended St. Peter’s grade school, where she made many great friends. She recently attended a reunion of grade school friends at Swedish Days in Geneva and enjoyed seeing everyone.

Nancy then attended Rosary Catholic High School where her fun-hearted spirit led to her involvement in cheerleading, poms (affectionately referred to as the “Bomb Squad”) and many other social events. She also excelled academically. Although always understated, Nancy would often remind Todd - later in life - that she was a member of the National Honor Society (and he wasn’t!). Her sweet personality and affinity to listen to others led her to making lifelong friends, especially a group of dear members of her “Rosary clique”, with whom she remained close to over the years and enjoyed many reunions and trips. Her sincere and kind personality also led her to meeting the love of her life, Todd. While the two simply attended a Rosary/Marmion turnabout dance together during their high school days - which always prompted multiple versions of that story when the subject came up - Todd and Nancy officially started dating while attending the University of Iowa, and the rest was history.

During their college days, Nancy could always be found reluctantly laughing at Todd’s nonstop jokes and hanging out at 819 Iowa Ave (Todd’s house across from Nancy’s Chi Omega sorority). Nancy always claimed that the truly funny jokes were hers, just repeated more loudly by Todd. They made such wonderful friends at Iowa, again making many great memories together and they truly enjoyed their years there. They remained lifelong loyal Hawkeyes!! Todd and “Nance” were the very best of friends, which made for the strong foundation of their wonderful 32-year marriage.

When Todd and Nancy had their first serious dinner date at IRP in Iowa City, they quickly realized their common backgrounds, strong Catholic commitments and the importance of family. Nancy was immediately welcomed into the Rowley family, and she became a loved member of the large Irish Catholic clan.

After college, Nancy became a buyer for Von Maur in Davenport, Iowa and Todd started his business career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They kept their long-distance relationship going strong, with weekly treks to visit each other. Soon, they were engaged, and Nancy moved to Rantoul, Illinois, (outside of Champaign) where Todd was working. They were married on March 19, 1988, concelebrated by close family friends, several Marmion priests. This began an incredible journey together from Rantoul to Tucson, Arizona and then on to Kansas City, making many, many friends. Wherever they were, Nancy was leaving her footprints along the way.

She was always involved in her family’s school and Church - from St. Malachy’s to St. Cyril’s to Cure of Ars to Rockhurst and Sion. Nancy’s steady and caring personality always found her contributing in many ways, including chairing school auctions, PTO boards, Holy Smokes BBQ events and many, many more. Her quiet but strong leadership was always on display and always welcomed. She just had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed and others simply enjoyed being around her.

Of the many things that Nancy accomplished, where she shined most brightly was being a devoted mother and role model to her three children, Colleen Marie (Brett Blackwell), Ryan Patrick and Nicholas John, and an adored “Nana” to her grandson, Beckett James, and granddaughter, Rowley Irene. From hosting a delicious Sunday dinner each weekend - where she continuously outdid herself - to putting on the most thoughtful holiday celebrations and perfectly curated family trips to constant playdates full of endless creativity and laughter with her grandchildren, Nancy was always surrounded by her family, whom she loved deeply, and they loved her more than words can ever express.

Nancy’s generous-loving spirit didn’t stop there. She brought it into every aspect of life, including her devout Catholic faith and cherished friendships. In fact, she held so many dear relationships throughout the school years, in her many successful rounds on the golf course, hands of bridge and book club get-togethers, amongst the neighborhood of Royse, on the waters of Lake Lotawana, during her time volunteering with Starfish Ministry and everywhere in between. Nancy made each circle she touched a little better and a whole lot brighter.

Todd and Nancy were truly enjoying the past 10 years, or so, as “empty nesters,” spending time together and enjoying so many activities. Nancy loved traveling and they enjoyed many great trips - Italy, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Caribbean trips, Mexico trips, Florida trips and more. Nancy loved playing cards (bridge, Euchre and hearts), they loved restaurants, she loved cooking and she was becoming an avid golfer. All of these interests led to sharing great times with many friends and family. Nancy was always able to throw a great party. She was a wonderful hostess, whether it was her Sunday dinners with the family, dinner club parties with the neighborhood crew, 4th of July parties at Lake Lotawana or incredible holiday celebrations. There are truly too many great memories to list. These times will always be cherished. Nancy was very blessed!!

We will always remember Nancy’s warm smile and the special smile in her eyes. She was an incredibly exceptional person, loved by many wherever she went. She will forever and always be missed but surely never forgotten.

Services will be held at Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church following COVID-19 protocols and restrictions - Rosary and Visitation, Friday, January 15th, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. | Funeral, Saturday, January 16th, 10:00 A.M.

*Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, the family understands that live streaming may be your safest opportunity for celebrating Nancy and encourages you to do so. Please visit www.cureofars.com/funeral on the day of the service to view.

“For those who wish to remember Nancy Holm Rowley with a contribution, the Rowley Family has established memorials in Nancy’s name at each of the following organizations:

1. Cure of Ars Parish and School, Leawood Kansas – Contributions can be made to:

Cure’ of Ars Parish and School, Attention: Katy Rocca , 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206 reference Nancy Rowley Memorial Fund

2. Operation Starfish Ministries, Leawood Kansas – Contributions can be made to:

Operation Starfish Ministries, c/o Leslie Chalmers, 13008 Pawnee Lane, Leawood , Ks 66209 – reference Nancy Holm Rowley Memorial Fund

3. Rosary High School, Aurora Illinois – Contributions can be made to:

Rosary High School, Attention: Annika Strolle, 901 N. Edgelawn Dr., Aurora, IL 60506 – reference Nancy Holm Rowley Memorial Fund or

b. https://www.rosaryhs.com/s/1514/bp19/interior.aspx?sid=1514&gid=1&pgid=1832