Nancy J. Westerman passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was 76 years old and was born on October 19, 1946, in Kansas City, MO. Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken Westerman.
Nancy was a woman known for her boundless love for family and her remarkable ability to connect with people of all generations. Her enthusiasm for holidays, whether Christmas, Halloween, or any other special occasion, was unmatched and heartwarming. Nancy’s creative spirit found expression in her vivid writings and poetry, which will continue to be treasured by her family and friends for years to come. Her sweet disposition and character were only rivaled by her sweet tooth, particularly her unwavering love for all things chocolate chip.
Nancy’s life was a testament to her resilience and determination. As a hardworking single mother of two, she met her soulmate, Ken. Some years later, while in her mid-50s, she went back to college, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri State University. She then began her career as an educator, teaching Spanish at Windsor High School in Missouri and McClough USD 342 Secondary School in Kansas.
Nancy is survived by her loving son, John [Amy] Banker of Los Angeles, CA, and her devoted daughter, Michelle [Jonathan] Riggs of Warsaw, MO.
Above all, Nancy cherished her role as a grandparent and made it clear to everyone in her world. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren – Maleah Banker, J.C Riggs, Shawn Riggs, Breanna Riggs, Kyra Riggs, Dylan Banker, Taylor Breshears, Kimberly Westerman, Katie Thornton, Kenny Westerman – and three great-grandchildren – Noah Thornton, Ily Thornton, and Yasmine Thornton.
Nancy possessed a unique ability to reminisce about her childhood with the vivacity of a 16-year-old reciting her recent summer break. Growing up in a loving family she was the middle of five daughters to John Cody (deceased) and Margaret Cody (deceased).Her sisters were Carolyn (deceased), Jeannie [Mark] Scott of Jacksonville, FL, Janet [Chris] Homer of Lawrence, KS, and Mary [Oliver] Cody of Albuquerque, NM. Nancy spent her childhood between Kansas City and Dallas, TX, attending Bishop Miege High School (Kansas City, KS) and graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School (Dallas, TX).
Nancy also loved to have a future trip to look forward to – in the 1990s those became the countless road trips with Ken and Maleah to Colorado and all over the USA; in the 2000s she hit nearly every estate sale in Kansas and Missouri with Janet, and starting in the mid-2000s she became a frequent flyer to California to visit her west coast family and friends.
Nancy was also a loving dog mom to her Chihuahua, Antonio.
A remembrance for Nancy will be held on the anniversary of her 77th birthday weekend in Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Further details will be provided.
Nancy’s memories and stories entertained us, her laughter was contagious, and her love for family was truly infectious. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have known and loved her. Nancy’s angelic voice is forever recorded in our memories and also in hundreds of videos, most-times singing to a grandchild. In our hearts, her spirit will forever shine bright, reminding us of the love and joy she brought into our lives.
This is a beautifully written tribute to Nancy. She was a determined, accomplished woman who leaves behind a family to carry her loving legacy forward. May she rest in peace.
I was lucky to have her live closeby here in Lawrence for the last two years of her life. We shared quiet talks, laughter,outings,walks with Antonio, ice cream cones,and so much more. She loved her apartment here and took pride in decorating it. Fall was her favorite season and we looked forward to shopping for mums and fall decor. She was my friend and confidante, my big sister, and I will miss her the rest of my life. Her strength while caring for her husband was inspiring and shown once again in the last week of her life. I was privileged to be an aunt to my niece and nephew, a great aunt to their children who I will love all of them forever. I am comforted to know she is with her husband again and our dear sister Carolyn. Jeannie,Mary Kay and I were proud to have her as our sister.
Thank you for this uplifting and very touching summary of a life very well lived. Nancy had such a wonderful impact on so many lives.