Dr. Nancy Guth

(Maiden name Petersen, family name DeBruyn)

Nancy DeVries Guth, 75, died peacefully at her home in Stafford, Virginia, on January 27th, 2026, surrounded by the life and love she built so intentionally. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world brighter than she found it.

Nancy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and grew up in Grand Rapids. A lifelong learner, she attended Calvin College and went on to earn degrees from the University of New Mexico and Northern Arizona University, ultimately completing her PhD at George Mason University. Education was not just her profession; it was her calling. Over the course of her career, Nancy served as a classroom teacher, specialist, school administrator, professor, and author. She loved reading and helping others discover confidence through learning.

She is survived by her beloved spouse, John, her adventure partner and devoted caregiver until the very end. Their partnership was steady and joyful, grounded in shared purpose and miles spent side by side. She is also survived by her children, Marta (Farrell), Sorcha (Josh), and Daniel (Andrea); her brother, David (Annie); her sister, Emily (Floyd); and her treasured grandchildren Peter, Daniel, Ava, Morgan, Brendan, Evangeline, Joey, and Kellen. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as cousins with whom she shared close lifelong bonds from childhood.

To her grandchildren, Nancy was Nana, a steady source of encouragement, curiosity, and unconditional love. She delighted in who they were becoming, believed in each of them, and made them feel capable and cherished. Being Nana was one of her greatest joys, and her influence will live on through them.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Marian and Herman Petersen, brother, Scott, and her son, Peter, whom she now holds close again.

Beyond her family, Nancy’s great love was cycling. She was a champion and elite-level marathon cyclist whose grit and joy on a bike were well known. From long rides with John, to brevets, to riding in the Race Across America six times, Nancy approached cycling the same way she approached life: with discipline, courage, and a belief that you could always go a little farther than you thought. Even in later years, she rode her recumbent bike daily with few exceptions, right up until her passing.

Nancy was joyful, generous, kind, and encouraging. She believed in people and had a gift for helping others believe in themselves. She was never competitive with those around her; instead, she lived by the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. When she taught, she didn’t just share knowledge, she shared confidence. Her message was simple and honest: you can do hard things, and they are worth doing.

An optimist by choice, Nancy often reminded others that positivity is practiced. She didn’t tell people how to live; she showed them through her smile, her persistence, and her devotion to family. She loved animals, having grown up around horses and always sharing life with dogs, but above all, she loved people and wanted to see them succeed.

Nancy was a bright light and a steady presence. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a teacher, mentor, mother, Nana, and friend. Those who knew her are better for it, and those who loved her will carry her example forward with every brave step, every mile, and every act of encouragement.