Nancy Alice Reed

Nancy (Nance) Reed passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020 peacefully at home, surrounded by family and dear friends after a valiant battle with cancer. Born October 28, 1957, she is survived by her loving wife Patti O’Shea; her sisters Barbara (husband Jeff Williams) and Anna; her brother Ken (wife Sue) ; her beloved niece Rachel; and the best friends anyone could ever ask for. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Cynthia (nee Davidson) Reed.

A native of Ridgewood, NJ, Nance attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology. She was a four-year letter-winner in field hockey at MSU, becoming team captain and eventually head coach for the team. She remained a Spartan at heart her entire life (and a devoted hater of all things Maize and Blue).

Nance’s leadership and passion for women’s collegiate sports led her to Towson University where she coached field hockey and became Towson’s first female athletics administrator. Nance rose to Senior Associate Director of Athletics where she was responsible for coordinating oversight for all of Towson’s intercollegiate sports programs, both men’s and women’s. Nance helped to oversee the renovations of Towson’s Unitas Stadium and was instrumental in bringing four NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Final Four National Championships to Towson. Over her 30-year career, Nance also brought her energy and leadership to numerous athletic committees and boards at the conference and national levels. She was honored during her career with awards from multiple organizations including the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators, and the All-America Football Foundation.

Following her retirement from Towson, Nance started a consulting business Sports CORE 4 Athletes, helping prospective student-athletes and their parents navigate through the collegiate athletics recruiting process. In the last stage of her career, Nance joined Hergenroeder Financial Advisors in Timonium, MD as their Business Operations Manager, using her leadership and administrative skills to oversee client operations and services.

Nance was relentlessly calm and positive about everything in life (except about that other school from Michigan). She greeted everyone with a smile, a winning laugh and a kindness that made everyone feel special. She loved sports (especially when her Spartans were playing), reading, travel and spending time with Patti and their many fantastic friends. Nance loved animals, especially her precious dog Moosie.

Previously a three time cancer survivor, Nance faced each battle with grace and a quiet determination. Her strength in the face of adversity will remain an inspiration to all who loved her.

At Nance’s request, no public services will be held. Each person whose life was touched by Nance is encouraged to remember her in their own way.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Nance’s memory to Fallston Animal Rescue Movement, Inc (FARM), 2725 Fallston, MD 21047.