Nancy Lee McFadden RN

Nancy was diagnosed with this form of cancer four years ago, and fought bravely against the disease until succumbing to the growth of tumors on her spine and upper body.

Originally from Hartville, Ohio, she spent much of her adult life in central Arizona, principally Mesa. In 1978 she graduated as an RN from Mesa Community College, and the following year joined the staff of what was then Desert Samaritan Hospital, now Banner Desert.

She worked at the hospital for 33 years, starting in the med/surg department and then, after a period as director on that floor, transferring to labor & delivery and lastly endoscopy.

She retired shortly after receiving the mesothelioma diagnosis in March 2012, and the same month married her longtime partner Andrew Means. She also leaves two sisters, Susan and Barbara and families, a step son Kieron, her step mother Randa and step sister Kris, in addition to friends and former colleagues.

Celebration of Life arrangements are under the direction of Lakeshore Mortuary in Mesa, Arizona.

Nancy’s family will be hosting a gathering on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Mortuary.

www.CaringBridge.org/visit/NancyMcFadden

www.curemeso.org

Lakeshore Mortuary

1815 S. Dobson Rd.

Mesa, Arizona 85202

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (480) 838-5639.

McFadden, Nancy Lee

After a long and valiant struggle with mesothelioma, Nancy Lee McFadden RN died at her home near Apache Junction on Friday, January 29th, 2016, aged 65. A graduate of Mesa Community College, Nancy spent her entire nursing career at Desert Samaritan Hospital, later Banner Desert, in Mesa. In her 33 years at the hospital, she was a highly regarded staff member, initially on the med/surg floor, where she rose to position of director, and subsequently in labor & delivery and endoscopy.

Nancy was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Hartville, Ohio. Her father, John William McFadden, was a family physician, and her mother, Dorothy Lee Satterfield, was a teacher. Nancy and her first husband, Rodney Whittaker, moved to central Arizona in the early '70s. A compulsive reader, Nancy consumed volumes of sci fi before moving on to mysteries. She enjoyed travel, and ventured to England many times in search of information about her beloved Tudor monarchs. The closest she came to a religious conviction was her commitment to animal welfare. She was a strong exponent of a vegetarian and vegan diet, and was devoted to a succession of feline and canine companions.

Nancy was diagnosed with mesothelioma four years ago, and fought bravely against the cancer. She retired shortly after being diagnosed in March 2012, and the same month married her longtime partner Andrew Means. She also leaves three younger sisters, Susan, Barbara, Kristin and families, her step mother Randa, step son Kieron, nephews Michael, John, Evan, Colin and Kye and niece Molly.

www.curemeso.org; www.CaringBridge.org/visit/NancyMcFadden; www.LakeshoreMort.com.

Published in The Arizona Republic on Feb. 7, 2016

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