Nancy Louise Elia, a longtime resident of Colorado, passed away on August 15, 2026, at the age of 92.
Nancy was born on August 10, 1934, in Michigan to Claremont and Fern Shoniker. Her early life was marked by loss and transition. After losing her father at age ten and her grandmother two years later, Nancy was welcomed into the home of William and Arbutus Ciereman, who became her loving guardians. Through the families that embraced her throughout her childhood, Nancy was surrounded by five loving siblings.
Nancy began college at Albion College, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Her leadership led to an opportunity to transfer to William & Mary to help strengthen its Kappa Delta chapter, and she proudly graduated from The College of William & Mary.
While teaching in Arlington, Virginia, Nancy met Earl Elia through his sister, Nina. Earl later proposed on a Beemans gum wrapper, and the two married on May 4, 1957. It was the beginning of a remarkable 69-year love story. Through their devotion to one another, Nancy and Earl gave their children an enduring example of love, commitment, and partnership.
Together, Nancy and Earl raised five children and settled in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where they made their home for more than 60 years.
Nancy returned to education, earning her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in special education. She spent 20 years teaching students with learning disabilities at North High School in Denver. Nancy had a gift for seeing possibility in students who often felt overlooked and for building the trust and hope they needed to believe in themselves.
But nothing mattered more to Nancy than her family and her faith.
She is survived by her husband, Earl; children Carole, Laura, Kathy (Doug), Dan (Jill), and Susie (Jim); ten grandchildren, Melissa, Micah, Arielle, Karlee, Madisen, Trace, Morgan, Jojo, Abi, and Christian; three great-grandchildren, Niko, Milynn, and Barbara; and another great-granddaughter on the way. Her son-in-law, Tom, preceded her in death.
Nancy's life was shaped by resilience, but it will be remembered for love. She created the stability she had not always known as a child, saw possibility in those who often felt unseen, and built a family grounded in faith, encouragement, and unconditional love.
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held Thursday, September 10, at 10 a.m. at Green Mountain Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Mile High United Way in Nancy Elia's name.
