Memories of Nancy
12 entries.
I will never forget my first time to the Ozarks to visit Al and Nancy. It was the summer of 2011 when Justin proposed to me at the Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins. I remember going miniature golfing and us couples teamed up against each other. Al and Nancy called themselves “Forever Young” and Justin and I were “The Fedoras” since we were both wearing fedora hats that day. Nancy was a very competitive player at all games we ever played together. I loved that about her.
That visit we also took the boat out to this area on the lake where people would swim in the ice cold spring water. Nancy told me that everyone has to swim through it once and that I needed to jump out of the boat and go swim through it myself. It was my initiation into the Mahrer family. So I did and when I got back to the boat, Nancy was laughing and told me that she had never done it herself!! Ha! She tricked me!
I am going to miss her so much! She had a good sense of humor and such a big heart. I will forever cherish all the beautiful memories we made together.
Love you always Mama Mahrer!
Not long after we became lake neighbors with Al and Nancy, we had a big ice storm. We lost power at our houses for almost a week. Al and I stood watch with kerosene heaters. If my memory is correct Ms Nancy and April, who was visiting, were staying in a friend’s condo who had power. After a couple of days with no showers, Al and I went to the condo to clean up. While there, the condo lost power. I made a joking comment wondering if the light in the refrigerator went off. Ms Nancy got up and walked over to refrigerator to check. Was about to open it when April said “mom, really. We all laughed the rest of the evening about how gullible Ms Nancy could be. I will miss our talks RIP Ms Nancy!!
Doug and I have been next door neighbors with Al and Nancy at the lake for 18 years. Nancy and I have sat on the dock numerous times over the years drinking wine and catching up on our families. It was always clear how much Nancy loved her kids and grandkids and was very involved in their lives. Every year she looked forward to them coming to the lake and spent hours preparing for their visit- everything from painting bathrooms to an extensive food and activity itinerary. She was so worn out when the visits were over! As we’ve watched the kids and grandkids swimming off the dock in the last week, we know Nancy is looking down on them with a smile on her face and joy in her heart!
When I married Dave Mahrer 43 years ago, I gained a great set of in-laws, Nancy among them. After our children did not demand so much of our time, Dave and I were able to spend more time with Al and Nancy. Too often, on sad occasions in the family, but also our visits to the lake, a week on Edisto Island, SC, times they visited us in Lexington. Nancy loved her family fiercely and I was lucky to be considered family by her. I will always remember Nancy’s kindness to Dave and me during Dave’s illness and following his death. Surely they are laughing about something together now.
Mom, gone too soon. It’s hard to say good bye, but I have been able to relive so many memories as I have cleaned and cleared all of your things. The biggest take away is that you were always proud of us. I have so many swimming albums with all kinds of newspaper clippings, all the saved ribbons and metals, and all of the scrapbooks that were laminated. Then I found all of your storage pockets on each family. You kept our cards, the notes from grandkids, and all of the pictures you had been sent.
Finally I got to your folder. Oh my- I am in love with all of the pictures, the report card you saved of your grandma, the clear love you had for your own family. You kept those treasures.
We will never forget you, but thankfully we can now continue to enjoy you and your family through these new memories.
Love you mom!!
Our family loved Nancy. She was always eager to help or lend support or listen. I am so grateful for the shared memories of family holidays, weddings, and graduations. She loved her kids and grandchildren and was a great example of how to love others.
I only had the privilege of knowing Nancy for one year, but in that short amount of time I could tell right away that Nancy was a keeper and I looked forward to getting to know her even more. As one of the first women I met at Faithbridge Methodist church, Nancy immediately invited me out to coffee with other Faithbridge Camdenton women, not just once but several times. Each time at a different coffee shop because she knew I was a latte drinker and each time respecting my “not too early” request knowing I wasn’t a morning person. It wasn’t too long after moving to the lake that I ended up in the Hospital due to a bowel obstruction. It didn’t take long for Nancy to contact me after my release. She invited me, once again, out to coffee and gave me a special gift, which I will cherish. It was a book titled “Everybody Poops”.
Nancy never met a stranger and considered everyone a friend she just didn’t know yet! She loved her family, her friends, her church and her God! She also loved to enjoy herself and was a strong supporter of live music! I am so glad she was my friend! She will be dearly missed!
Nancy was one of the first people I met at Faithbridge. She always sought out new people & connected with them. She was always the one to meet new people, invite them to church, then connect them with like minded people. She had a no-nonsense approach that was refreshing & much appreciated. I'll miss her smile, her sense of humor, and her dedication to her family & her friends.
I will never forget the first time mom and dad came out to California to meet Missy (my wife now) as we were just dating at the time. We took them out to dinner at a sushi restaurant by the beach. As much as we encouraged them to try some of the best sushi in the country they were not going to partake. Reminded me of when they tried to convince me those green beans were really great on my plate as a child! Ha.
After dinner we walked back to my apartment and played some board games, one of mom's favorite activities. About halfway into our first game I think Mom realized Missy was going to defeat her. Not going down easy Mom tried her best to quietly cheat so she would come out victorious but was caught in the act! We all had a great laugh about in the moment and referenced it years later as such a memorable funny first impression between the two of them! 🙂
Nancy could make a friend any where she would go. She loved starting up conversations with anyone she came across. Her willingness to talked to anyone always amazed me. We will miss her dearly.
When Mom and Dad moved to the lake in 2004, I was worried about them leaving their network in Cedar Rapids. I should not have worried, because they met so many wonderful people at the lake. I know Mom loved her church family, Lake family, and everyone she had a chance to meet. She will be missed!