Nancy G Woods

Nance was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Harry and Irene Goodnow on January 10, 1937. She and her high school sweetheart Dave were married at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux city in 1957 where they would live until 1959 when they would move to Minneapolis. They would refer to themselves as corporate nomads because they would live in eight different cities over the next 60 years of their marriage. They had three sons, all living, Brad (Gina) in Mesa, Bob in Los Angeles, and John (Dina) in Gilbert. She was puzzled why she would have three boys and all of her grandchildren were girls, Eva, Cori, Angelica, Niki, and Emily.

Nance would have two principal occupations, wife and mother, but would also work outside her home with AT&T and represent a charitable organization in Walnut Creek, California. For a time, she worked as a church circle treasurer and delivered Meals on Wheels from First Presbyterian Church in Mesa. She loved animals and for a lengthy period volunteered as a docent at the Phoenix Zoo conducting educational classes for elementary school children on school field trips. Nancy would excite her young audience by producing a snake from a pocket of her smock, allowing it to coil around her arm, and showing off an owl named Huey.

After his retirement, her husband Dave took a job driving a school bus and Nancy would become known as the cookie lady for her frequent supply of cookies for the school bus training staff. She loved to bake oatmeal-raisin and sugar cookies but would occasionally find exotic recipes that she would deliver to neighbors and family members.

Except for her Zoo work, Nancy preferred to remain in the background and had the most beautiful, natural smile. She was non-judgmental and loved her family.

She is survived by her husband, her sons, her grandchildren, her brother-in-law Jim Woods, sister-in-law Charlene Goodnow and their progeny. Her parents and younger brother Jim, preceded her in death.

A private Celebration of Life was held at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa. Remembrances in her name may be sent to the American Kidney Fund.