Nancy Ellen (Bierwirth) Chrien

Partner. Wife. Mom. Grandma. Art teacher. Friend. Christian. Nancy passed away in her husband Gary’s arms on Friday afternoon following a long illness. She is survived by her husband Gary; her children Andrea, Ted and Matt; and her grandchildren Ian, Mikaela, Daniel, Michelle, Andy, Tyler, Laura, and Mattie.

She attended Kent State, Indiana-Purdue, and the University of South Florida as she studied to earn her degree in Art Education. God has truly blessed our family by giving her to us for the last 79 years.

She loved teaching high school students photography, ceramics, and other art mediums while holding elected positions on both the Florida Art Educators Association and National Art Educators Association. Although Nancy lived with multiple sclerosis, she continued to teach in both Hillsborough and Pinellas County Schools.

Upon retirement, she enjoyed being a grandma to all of her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more happiness than having them visit her, watching them run around and play together.

Our family would like to specially thank the staff at St. Mark’s Health Care Center in Palm Harbor. Friends who stopped by gave Nancy much comfort in her final months, especially Paulette.

A favorite charity of Nancy’s was Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa. Please think of them in her memory. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.