She was born to James and Suzanne Toepfer on December 29, 1955 and became a big sister to Diane a few years later. After graduating from Mission Viejo High School as a competitive swimmer in 1974, Nancy attended Chapman College. In 1976, she packed her bags and traded the sunny beaches of California for the majestic Rockies of Colorado. While attending the University of Northern Colorado in 1976, she met her husband, Scott Willett. They married two years later at Vail Interfaith Chapel in Colorado.
Nancy was an artist, crafter, teacher, and jack-of-all-trades. She was also a tournament-level racquetball player, champion party planner, and pro garage sale-shopper. Her talents were limitless. In 1983, she retired from her management position with the Northridge Recreation Center to raise her three children, Katie, Jenna, and Max.
Her selfless devotion to her family was her greatest legacy. She raised her children to believe they could be anything they wanted, whether that was an Olympic figure skater, a Major League Baseball player, or a New York Times best-selling author. She adored planning road trips, watching OU and other sports teams, and going to the movies with her husband, Scott.
For the past eleven years, Nancy took great pride in being a full-time grandma to Dane, Harley, Rees, Cy, and Jack. She loved going to museums and zoos, learning about Titanic, trains, dinosaurs, Power Rangers, Spiderman, animals, and Godzilla. She loved painting rocks, asking about their school days, and having impromptu dance parties in her kitchen. Anything her grandchildren had an interest in, she did too.
Nancy's beautiful faith carried her through life. She trusted Jesus for all her needs and cares, and knew that one day, she'd rest in His loving arms.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Suzanne Toepfer. She is survived by her husband, Scott, along with their three children and their families: Katie, Lucas, Dane, Harley, and Cy Kruse; Jenna and Mike Weldon; and Max, Casey, Rees, and Jack Willett. She is also survived by her father, James Toepfer, her sister Diane Dykstra, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
The family will be holding a private service on June 4th. An open house for any who wish to give their condolences will be announced later. Donations are being organized, and details will be shared.
Nancy's entire family would like to thank the following for all their love and support during this difficult time: The Bittel family, Michelle Franci, the ThunderRidge High School community, and the Stone Mountain Elementary community. Nancy would've also liked to thank Highlands Ranch as a whole for the amazing opportunity of living in the community since its inception in 1981.
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