hollyanne Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Nancy Nissalke Our loving wife, mom and grandmother passed away on January 7, 2006 after fighting a courageous battle with terminal cancer. She died peacefully at home with her family by her side. Born in Shawano, Wisconsin, Nancy lived a life of service to her family, friends, and to the many communities where she lived. As a teacher of drama and English at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin she met her husband to be of 46 years, Tom Nissalke who was the school's basketball coach. Together, they moved across the country living in New Orleans, Madison, Seattle, Houston and Salt Lake City among other places as they pursued Tom's career and raised their two children, Tom II and Holly. Nancy was a woman of great faith, an accomplished operatic singer and theatrical performer, and a true leader who gave liberally of her time to many charitable Utah organizations including the Assistance League of Utah, her PEO chapter, the Utah Opera Guild, the Salt Lake City Garden Club and to Mount Olympus and Wasatch Presbyterian churches. Yet, her family and many deep friendships gave her the greatest joy. Nancy was extremely proud of her husband and her children, not only of their accomplishments but of the qualities they embody. Her energy, compassion, unique style and trust in God were unmatched and admired by all those she touched. In the end, it is truly Nancy's strong faith that gives her family and friends both strength and a sense of peace during this terribly difficult time. Nancy is survived by her husband, Tom Nissalke, her children Tom Nissalke II of Atlanta, Georgia; Holly Nissalke Connolly of San Francisco, CA; and her two sisters Betty Klosterman and Marilyn Schroeder, both of Shawano, WI. Her first grandchild, Caroline Anne Connolly was born on December 20, 2005. Caroline brought a tremendous amount of joy and happiness during the last weeks of Nancy's life. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Adolph and Bernice Klosterman and by her sister Jeanie Brassard. The Nissalke family offers their sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, with very special and heart-felt thanks to Dr, Graydon Harker and to Nancy's longtime friend and nurse Debbie Buese. The incredible support of her friends and church congregations serve as the greatest honor to the life Nancy lived. Nancy will be missed terribly by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2006 at Wasatch Presbyterian Church, 1626 South 1700 East in Salt Lake City. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nancy Nissalke Memorial Fund at Wasatch Presbyterian Church. Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 1/10/2006. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Your mom sounds like a beautiful person, how blessed you were to have her in your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 What a nice tribute--again very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Holly, we knew from your picture that she was beautiful on the outside, now we learn how beautiful she was on the inside. May she rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Your mom was surely a very special lady who gave to many. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Thanks Holly, Beautifully written obit. Your Mom was just a wonderful woman. Kisses to baby Caroline Anne. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 What a legacy your Mother has left. I am sure you are very proud of her, as she was of you. She was loved by many and will be missed by them all. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Oh Holly, What an absolutely beautiful memorial of your mom. I certainly got to know her better. She was such a talented individual and had a full life even though it was cut too short. She will always be remembered as such a beautiful, caring soul. She touched many lives. You must be so proud of her and I know you will pass all those wonderful qualities and memories of you mom on to your Caroline. Her legacy will live on. Again, that is a beautiful memorial. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Your mother was obviously a beautiful, warm and loving person. I am so happy that she lived to see her first grandchild. My prayers are with you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 beautiful, holly. I am so glad you were able to include grandmother in the list of things you mom was. I know it must be incredibly bittersweet, but I can only imagine how much joy it gave her. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted January 18, 2006 Share Posted January 18, 2006 Holly..That was just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing it with us.. Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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