Nancy Anne Ekberg

How fortunate this world was to have the influence, tenacity and spirit of Nancy Anne Ekberg. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother to to her newborn baby girl. She was a friend, an advocate, a writer, and a community leader. Saturday morning, June 20th at the age of 90 she passed her spirit on to so many. Born in Minneapolis on February 28, 1936, Nancy lived a life marked by generosity, conviction, curiosity, and an enduring commitment to the people and communities around her.

She and her husband, Paul H Ekberg (deceased 11/15/2001) began their journey together as high school sweethearts, marrying in 1958, building a life that endured much change. Both were strong, independent leaders with distinct perspectives and, at times, differing political beliefs. They respected one another’s convictions and remained steadfast in their shared commitment to raising their three sons to be resilient, thoughtful, and independent individuals with the confidence to forge their own paths.

Leadership came naturally to her from an early age and continued through her dedication to civic engagement, one of her life’s defining passions. She played a significant role in efforts to rewrite the Alabama Constitution, believing deeply in the importance of fair governance and active citizenship. Her persistence and commitment helped advance conversations that would have a lasting impact on the state.

For all of her accomplishments, she carried herself with humor and humility. Her parents instilled in her an appreciation for laughter and the ability not to take herself too seriously, a quality she never lost. Friends and family remember not only her formidable leadership and determination but also her wit, warmth, and quick wit.

Left to live with this formidable role model are her three sons, Brandon Ekberg (Lisa), Gregg Ekberg (Patty Hatter), Hugh Ekberg (Elizabeth) and her sister, Susan Conrad (Ladd) as well as five precious grandchildren (two spouses), a great granddaughter and an adoring extended family. Nancy celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through challenges, and remained a source of wisdom, humor, and encouragement throughout their lives. She spread this same caring to everyone who was privileged enough to be seen and influenced by this remarkable woman.

Led by her husband’s role in the European and American steel industry, the family lived in several communities, including Homewood, Illinois; Pepper Pike, Ohio; Jackson, Michigan; and Birmingham, Alabama. In each place, she brought with her a distinctive combination of warmth, energy, and civic-mindedness. She had a gift for forming lasting friendships and for recognizing where help, leadership, or a thoughtful word was needed. Those who knew her often saw that Nancy did not simply live in a community—she invested in it.

Nancy’s accomplishments reflected both her lively intellect and her deep sense of public responsibility. She was a former reporter whose work appeared in the Chicago Tribune’s Suburban Trib, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Birmingham Magazine, and other publications, bringing a journalist’s curiosity and clarity to the stories and issues she cared about. She was also an author, remembered for What Kind of War Was It, Anyhow?, a book written for young people that taught history, citizenship, and the human stories behind public events.

In Alabama, Nancy became especially known for her leadership as Executive Director of Magic Moments, a charity that provides wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses or living with significant physical challenges. After retirement she continued her personal commitment to the organization, its children, families, and the power of hope. Her service was practical and persistent—the kind of work that made difficult days brighter for others.

Nancy was also an engaged civic voice. She was active in the Birmingham League of Women Voters, helping encourage informed participation in public life, and she served as secretary on the board of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, a grassroots public-interest organization dedicated to educating and advocating for a state constitution that better serves Alabama citizens. That organization made a positive and permanent impact for the state of Alabama. Her civic work showed the same qualities that defined her life: a belief in fairness, a respect for informed debate, and a conviction that communities improve when people participate.

Nancy will be remembered for her spirited engagement with the world, her loyalty to family and friends, and her ability to bring people together around ideas, projects, and shared hopes. Whether through journalism, charitable leadership, voter education, constitutional reform, political advocacy, or everyday acts of kindness, she used her voice and energy in service of others. Even throughout her eighties she has led an effort to extend learning for adults (50+) in her role leading and organizing Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Alabama, a testament to her tenacity for learning and improving the lives of people in her community.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held in Birmingham on the weekend of August 22 2026. If you are interested in attending please let Brandon know at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Magic Moments, in honor of Nancy’s lifelong commitment to service and civic engagement.