Nancy Katherine Boylan

Nancy Katherine Boylan, 90, of Fort Wayne passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. Nancy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 25, 1932, a daughter of the late Eugene and Katherine (Neuhaus) Haffner. For 26 years, Nancy taught first grade at Fort Wayne Community Schools. Beyond her dedication to education and her students, she was also a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R), Woodhurst Community Association, and a board member at the History Center. Nancy raised 8 children (4 via adoption), 60 foster children, and sponsored numerous children abroad. She was a hospice volunteer and community harvest volunteer. She started the Eucharistic minister program at church and was a die-hard believer in the value of education. Nancy was an avid supporter of public education, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and a supporter of women’s athletics. Nancy also handed out American flags at the federal courthouse for newly naturalized citizens for the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). She was one of the original founders of the organization “Association for the Rights of Children”, world traveler, and started the “Greeter Program” at church. She helped revitalize the Barr Street Farmers Market. Nancy was the Indiana Fever’s biggest fan. All people who knew her knew “they” were important. In the words of Frank Sinatra “she did it her way”, and her way was pretty awesome. Nancy is survived by her children, Andrew (Cathy) Boylan, Katherine (Steven) Fuelling, Sarah (Brian) Gore, Nicholas (Susan) Boylan, Daniel Boylan, Theodore (Sharon) Boylan; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and sister, Colette Haffner. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Boylan; sister, Marilyn Smethers; brother, John Haffner; and granddaughters, Gwendolyn Schumate-Mattes and Maria Boylan. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4500 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819. Burial at Catholic Cemetery to follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Harvest Food Bank or to Mary Penrose Wayne DAR Chapter Sterling Chapel fund.