Nancy Itano

Nancy Michelle Bledsoe Itano, M.D., 40, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 7, 2011, after a 10 year battle with breast cancer. She was born on November 9, 1970 and is survived by her husband, Kelly, her daughter Katelyn, 11, her parents, Gaylon and Lois Bledsoe, brothers Greg and Jeff and sister Cynthia Ziegenbein. Nancy grew up in McMinnville, OR. She graduated from McMinnville HS as valedictorian in 1988. Nancy attended Willamette University, where she met Kelly. She graduated with honors from WU. Nancy went on to medical school at Oregon Health Sciences University. She married Kelly on August 5th, 1995. Nancy graduated at the top of her class from OHSU in 1996. She chose urology as her specialty and matched at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for her residency. During Nancy's residency, Katelyn was born in May of 2000. Following residency, Nancy chose to join the staff at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Prior to starting in Scottsdale, she completed a female urology fellowship with Shlomo Raz at UCLA. In 2003, Nancy became part of the Mayo Clinic Urology Department, where she earned the highest regard and respect of her colleagues and patients. Throughout her residency and career, Nancy won numerous awards and was asked to present papers at many national meetings. She also helped start a urology residency program at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.

Nancy treasured her time with her family. She enjoyed traveling to various locales such as the Pacific coast, Hawaii and Colorado. Nancy had a love of music, scrapbooking, board and word games, golf and skiing. Her strength, determination, tenacity, and faith in God were an inspiration to all. Her spirit will live on in the lives she touched. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm, June 18, at the Paradise Valley United Method Church. A reception will be held at the church after the service. A graveside service will also be held in Salem, OR. Nancy requested that a scholarship fund be created for her daughter, Katelyn. For those wishing to donate, checks made payable to Katelyn Itano may be mailed to 16118 N 111th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, Salem, OR.