Nancy Leary

Nancy was born April 9, 1941 in North Dakota. She was the daughter of Tom and Claire (Halter) Lorenz. Nancy grew up in Crosby, North Dakota; a stones throw from Canada and a Girl Scout canoe trip from Montana. She remained close to her roots in Crosby by reading the weekly publication of the Divide County Journal and by staying in touch with her 30 some classmates. After graduation from high school, Nancy hopped a train to the big city of St. Paul, MN where she arrived at the College of St. Catherine with her life’s possessions packed in a trunk and a suitcase. Her main course of study was nursing. An education that served her very well over the years as she challenged every one of her doctors to provide the absolute best of medical care. Nancy also had some of her own ideas on what was best for her family and friends as well. While attending St. Catherine’s, Nancy met her personal Saint, Patrick. Nancy and Pat were married August 11th, 1962, in Medford, Oregon. In 1964 they moved to Marshall, MN where she faithfully supported Pat in his practice of law. Nancy loved to pick a spot on the map, hop in the car and hit the road with her personal chauffer at the wheel. There wasn’t a shop that was safe between Marshall and either coast as Nancy was the queen of looking for those hidden little spots off the beaten path. AsidE from her family and close friends, there were many other things that brought joy to her life. She loved to play the piano and did so quite well – even after health problems took away the use of her right hand. Her favorite TV show was QVC and her favorite sport depended on whatever season her sons happened to be playing in. Nancy loved holidays and her favorite holiday was the next one. Her fine cooking and eye for detail made each one heartfelt and oh-so-very special. From the decorations and millions of lights on the Christmas tree… to the hidden Easter eggs found in June… the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and every other food she touched that was cooked to perfection… the holidays were always her favorite times of the Year. But nothing brought more joy to Nancy than watching her 5 grandchildren enjoying life. One of the important things to Nancy was to always look her best. Regardless of her health or the occasion, guests coming over for a visit… going to church… a trip to the cities to get her hair done… or going out to grab a burger… it didn’t matter. Nancy always looked good. Nancy’s ultimate trademark was her fighting spirit. She faced many medical challenges over the last 25 years and she met each one head-on and defeated them all. She did her best when the odds were stacked highest against her and has inspired family and friends with her will never to quit. On Saturday, June 30, God decided it would be unfair to ask Nancy to face any more challenges. That’s when He reached down, wrapped his arms tightly around her and brought her home to rest. Nancy is survived by her husband Pat; her three sons Tom of Alexandria (wife Linda and children Patrick, Christopher and Kaitlin), Mike of Marshall (wife Michele and daughters Camryn and Avery) and Steve of Nisswa. She is also survived by her brothers Don Lorenz of Stayton, Oregon and Paul Lorenz of Springfield, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her father Tom and mother Claire. In lieu of flowers, please designate memorials to the Holy Redeemer Foundation or donor’s choice.