Nancy Lazenby
Born: April 28th, 1938
Died: May 2nd, 2018
Obituary
Nancy Norine Lazenby, 80 years old, died May 2nd, 2018, at the Great River Hospice House, Burlington. Nancy endured a 22 year fight with cancer but did not succumb to it. Rather, her heart gave out after suffering the loss of her husband, Larry, of 60 years. To say that Nancy was a strong woman is an understatement. Her passionate spirit and devotion to faith, family and community continues to shine in her children, grandchildren and our memories. Nancy was born in La Plata, Missouri on April 28th, 1938 to Robert and Pearl Jones. She and her family moved to Burlington in her early childhood, and she became a lifelong resident. She graduated from Burlington Community High School and then attended Burlington Junior College to obtain an associate’s degree in Education. During her time at the junior college, she somehow found an opportunity to meet a dashing, charismatic man with 57 Belair convertible, also attending the community college.
Nancy and Larry were married on March 9th, 1958 at the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. They were blessed with 6 children, 4 boys and 2 daughters, along with 17 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews: Dr. Lorry and Kathy Lazenby, Joplin, MO., Dr. David and Carol Lazenby, Chesterfield, MO., Daniel and Teresa Lazenby, Little Rock, AR, Timothy and Tammy Lazenby, Yale, IA., Elizabeth and Kevin Eibes, Little Rock, AR., and Anna and William Hartford, Yorkville, IL. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Jane Ann Davis, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Nancy was wholly committed to her family, church and community. As a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher, Mariner, Deacon, Trustee, youth group leader and Presbyterian Women. Nancy joined the PEO Sisterhood at the age of 18, and was a founding member of Chapter NI, of Burlington. She served as President, Treasurer, Secretary and Guard for her chapter. Nancy was a 20 year member of the PTA, serving in all officer capacities and spending thousands of hours lobbying to improve the educational process for youth in Burlington and working with teachers on behalf of not only her own children, but any child in need. With her Associate’s degree in education, Nancy worked in the Burlington schools as a teaching aide to children with special needs. Her love for each of the children she worked with was profound and her relationships with the families often carried on after graduation.
Nancy was on the Board of Directors for the YWCA, and while sometimes at contrast with her husband, Larry, who was on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, Nancy and Larry were able to work together to foster a healthy balance of family, church, physical activity, education and friendships for their children. The YWCA, YMCA and Y-Camp were year round destinations for the entire family. She was an avid reader, always reading aloud to her children, taking them to the library and working with the library and school district to improve and encourage getting books into the hands of as many children as possible.
In 1970, Nancy, the mother of 6 children ranging in age from 2-12, was awarded Burlington’s Woman of the Year award. Her friends sent letters to the committee, commending Nancy for her ability to juggle the demands of such a large family while also staying committed to her church and community through volunteering. Nancy was very involved in politics throughout her life, part of the Iowa Caucuses and the Des Moines County Democratic Party. She took a lead in bringing presidential candidates, such as Jimmy Carter, to Burlington. Leading by example, she demonstrated for her children how to stay abreast of current events, become leaders, be involved in change and support laws that help people live better lives. Nancy was not afraid to be the different voice, to be the one going against the crowd when she truly believed in her cause. Her truth, bravery and strength lives on in each of her children and their children and will continue to raise up families and communities to stand up to do what is right instead of what is easy.
Nancy’s support of her children and grandchildren was unparalleled; attending every music concert, sporting event, birthday party, parent night, awards banquet, church event, dance performance and graduation. Nancy was easily spotted at outdoor sporting events, chatting with other parents and donning a very large hat, lots of sun screen and big sun glasses. We all smile when thinking of her presence at these events, as she always wanted to encourage everyone and frustrated us by rooting for both teams!
Nancy’s legacy of strength, courage, love, family, faith and taking action will forever thrive and inspire generations to come. Her presence, smile and laughter will be greatly missed in our family, but we praise God for giving us this amazing soul as our mother and are forever better people for having been raised by her.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, June 1st 2018 at First Presbyterian Church.
The memorial service for Mrs. Nancy Lazenby will be 10:30 AM Saturday, June 2nd 2018, at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Debra L. Kinney officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at First Presbyterian Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the First Presbyterian Church of Burlington and the PEO Sisterhood International.