Nancy Kay Eriksen

Nancy Kay Eriksen passed away on Monday, the 22nd of April 2013, at the age of 68. Nancy was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Houston in 1969. Although she was a naturalized Texan, Nancy never lost those deep mid-western roots. Nancy was with Vinson & Elkins for 20 years, ultimately serving as head of litigation support. She retired to immerse herself in family and friends, which she did happily all the rest of her life. Nancy also devoted her endless energy to helping youth find creative and alternative ways to lift up the underserved, particularly the homeless.

We will miss immensely Nancy’s wicked sense of humor, and her ability to find laughter in the most difficult situations. Scrappy until the end, Nancy had an adventurous and kind soul, and invaluable insight and wisdom. We especially cherish Nancy’s belief that she was incapable of not a lot, as she leaves behind many wonderful DIY disaster stories for her family to savor in years to come.

Nancy took extraordinary pride in her daughters and granddaughters, and deeply loved her husband of over 40 years. She is survived by her husband, Clarence “Erik” Eriksen; her daughters, Sherie-Marie Beckman, and Erin Eriksen; her granddaughters, Dylan and Hannah Beckman; her brothers, Gary and Ken Banwart; her many cousins, nephews and niece, and her faithful and loyal friends – the “six pack” – and especially Stephanie Stoner and Ann Boutte. Nancy was predeceased by her father and mother, Verne and Inez Banwart, who we know embraced her lovingly as she journeyed on from this world.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 26th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Rev. William “Dub” Brooks, Senior Associate Rector of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to one of Nancy’s favorite charities, Lord of the Streets, Episcopal Church, 3401 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77004.