Nadine Block

Nadine Block didn't just live—she accelerated. From her earliest days on a Wisconsin farm, she absorbed her mother's mantra: "Keep moving or they will plant you." Nadine took that advice literally and spiritually. She didn't walk through life. She sprinted.

Her velocity powered a life of remarkable breadth: mother, wife, teacher, school psychologist, and fierce lobbyist for children's education and welfare.

Retirement at 74 was merely a change of gears. She dove into painting, selling her work with the same energy she brought to policy reform. She published three books, one memoir and two on ending corporal punishment of school children. She founded a nonprofit in 1986 and led a legislative ban campaign in Ohio. Each fall after the ban on it was achieved in 2009, she smiled, knowing children no longer feared the principal's paddle.

She didn't just fight for children-she inspired them. Nadine wrote travel books for her grandchildren, hoping to pass on her insatiable curiosity. She visited 65 countries, many far off the beaten path. Her passport was a blur of motion.

Even in her 80's, Nadine refused to idle. In 2021, she moved to a senior living community and immediately joined committees, volunteered, and launched a blog titled "Not in the Slow Lane Yet." It was a declaration, not a disclaimer.

Only in 2025, when cancer slowed her stride, did she finally ease into the lane she had long outrun. She died as she lived—on her own terms, with purpose and momentum.

She is survived by four siblings (Lin Ludwig, David Ludwig. Lynda Long, and Barbara Schmidt); one son, Jeff Block (Karen); seven grandchildren (Sydney, Will, CaroleAnne, Tabitha, Nathaniel, Jack and Declan Block); William Brown, her second husband predeceased her. Two sons from her first marriage to Jared Block-Steven Block (Dana) and Greg Block (Monica)-predeceased her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 16th from 1:30—3:30 in the Chelsea Dining Room at First Community Village 1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus Ohio 43212.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children Federate to the First Community Village Art Committee or Ohio Health Hospice House (formerly Kobacker House).