Nancy Marie Van Anne

Nancy Marie Van Anne passed away on August 26, 2024 at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community in Greeley, Colorado. She was born December 16, 1927 to Emil and Bernadina Van Anne in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She was predeceased by her sister, Toni, and her brothers Francis, Paul, Louis, Robert, and Frank.

Nancy earned Physical Education degrees from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls (B.A., 1949), University of Iowa (M.A. 1953), and University of Oregon in Eugene (Ph.D., 1962). Nancy came to Colorado State College (CSC) in 1955 as a temporary replacement in the Laboratory School and stayed at the University of Northern Colorado (formerly CSC) for thirty years. She was awarded the rank of full Professor in 1963. She chaired the committee that established the first UNC kinesiology program. Nancy was awarded the M. Lucille Harrison Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973. During the last two years at UNC, Nancy served as Chair of Physical Education. She retired in 1985.

While attending the Graduate Theological Union at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1986-1987, Nancy deepened her knowledge of philosophy and theology and learned about Habitat for Humanity. Inspired by this experience, she returned home determined to establish a chapter in Greeley. In 1987, she and other dedicated residents founded the Greeley Area Habitat for Humanity chapter. Nancy’s influence has touched every family served by the organization since its inception, improving countless lives. She continued to mentor the Greeley Area Habitat staff for decades, even until the end of her life. Her incredible spirit will live on in the work of the chapter and the families it serves for generations to come.

Always dedicated to serving and making a positive impact on the world, Nancy spent several months in 1986 in Ecuador, participating in a school-community program aimed at improving the education and economic conditions of disadvantaged citizens in Guayaquil. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and during her years at UNC, she took at least one class a year outside her area of expertise. In 1992, she completed a four-year Biblical studies program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Denver, and in 1994, she became certified to teach scripture. Nancy was also deeply involved in her faith community; she served as a Lay Minister and Lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley, was a member of the Parish Council, and was a leader of the adult education program, Christians in Search.

In 1984, Nancy became an Associate with the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), marking a significant milestone as the first Associate to serve as coordinator of the Associate program. Together with Sister Betty Voss, she traveled across the country to recruit new members and enhance the program’s visibility. They developed a discernment workbook and established many traditions that continue to this day. Nancy is fondly remembered within the BVM community as a dedicated advocate for social justice. She also served for many years on the Board of Friends of a Woman’s Place, where she supported the Greeley shelter and its staff in their tireless work on behalf of survivors of domestic violence. In 2012, she was honored by the organization as an outstanding woman of Weld County for her contributions to the community.

Nancy was a beautiful, very large soul in a small body. She loved life and shared this joy with all she met. She had a sharp sense of humor and a quick wit. A woman with a deep lifelong faith, she endured trials and losses of old age without complaint, even the loss of her dear friend, Tess. Nancy was an athlete with a passion for playing golf and being a sports fan. Among her many virtues she loved to gamble. It was a surprise to many when Nancy turned from golfing to being a licensed blackjack dealer. She never knew of a casino she wouldn't like to visit, and word had it, Nancy was lucky.

Nancy is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, members of the BVM community, and countless friends. Two brothers served in World War II, one died in Belgium and is buried in the beautiful American cemetery in Margraten. Nancy will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Garden in Greeley next to her dear friend, Bea Heimerl.

Please make memorial gifts to Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity.

Recitation of the Rosary for Nancy will be Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80634. A Mass of the Resurrection will be Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 915 12th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631. Inurnment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.