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NANCY KLEKAS Obituary

Nancy P. Klekas 1956 ~ 2011 The light of our lives, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Nancy Patterson Klekas, passed away on August 17, 2011. Determined to be there for her family, she battled cancer for five years. Her weapons were a fierce tenacity, joie de vivre, love, laughter, and kindness. A stunning beauty, Nancy was even more beautiful inside. Her selflessness was extraordinary, as she was determined never to burden others with the despairs of her illness, and instead lifted them with her infectiously joyous laugh. She had the truly unique gift of making anyone she was near feel special and loved. Nancy was born December 3, 1956, in Denver, Colorado, to Gale and Sybil Patterson. The family moved to Salt Lake City when Nancy was 13. After graduating from Olympus High School in 1975, she attended the University of Utah. Nancy married Jeffrey Klekas on May 4, 1980, in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A dedicated employee of the University of Utah for 27 years, Nancy was honored in 2009 with the Staff Excellence Award for outstanding service to the university. She served as Accounting Supervisor for the Department of Psychology. But her life's work, crowning achievement and deepest joy was as mother to her cherished sons. Nancy tirelessly nurtured their talents in art, athletics, and academics, guiding them to become the quality human beings who are her greatest legacy. Nancy is survived by her husband Jeff, sons Michael and Steven, father Gale "Pat" Patterson, sister Barbara (Phil) Kuehnert, brothers Jim and Steve (Julie) Patterson, many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sybil. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, on Tuesday, August 23, at 11:00. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. There will also be a viewing on Monday evening, August 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity, with Trisagion service at 7:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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August 16, 2012

Nancy... Gone but NEVER forgotten.... miss you, my friend..

Kathy Heath

December 31, 2011

I am so sorry Nancy has moved on from this earth. At least she had family and friends who will remember her always, she will not be forgotten by them, a short but fulfilling life.

Lisa Taylor-Swanson

October 26, 2011

I graduated from the U in 1996 and was a Psychology major. All these years later, I clearly remember Nancy. She was a very kind and warm woman who helped me navigate payroll as an undergrad and employee in the department. My condolences go out to Nancy's family and friends. She truly was a radiant light.

Joyce Parker

August 27, 2011

Dear Phil, Barb & Kris; Our sadness is with you in the loss of Nancy, your favorite and only Sister. She will be missed by you and by all of us. We know what a difficult time this will be for you, Phil and Kris for a long time. Our Sympathy to all of you.
Sincerely, Pete and Joyce Parker

Joyce Parker

August 26, 2011

Dear Pat & Patterson family; We are so full of sadness to have Nancy leave all of us. She is so beautiful and friendly and we will all miss her so much. We leave you with our thoughts and prayers and know that she is not far away, and is now the angel she has always been. Sincerely,
Byron (Pete) & Joyce Parker

Joyce Parker

August 26, 2011

Dear Jeff and Boys; So sorry in your loss and our loss of Nancy - she was such the cute person and so friendly and loveable. We will miss her with you - Our sympathy to you with our love and thoughts.
Sincerely, Byron (Pete) & Joyce Parker

Melinda Kramer

August 25, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I am so glad that I got to talk with her and catch up with our lives after my return from Florida. Nancy was truly a wonderful spirit and I am blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathies to Jeff and the boys.

Melinda Kramer

Domina Holbeck

August 24, 2011

Dear Jeff, Michael, Steven, and family of Nancy,

I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful lady. My prayers are with you during this hard time. May her memory be eternal.

August 23, 2011

Nancy, you inspired many of us at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Your courage and grace humble me to this day. Hugs. From one of your nurses.

Cory&Andy Gardiner

August 23, 2011

Dear Jeff and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother and express our sincere condolenses. May you find comfort in each other during this time of grief and in remembering her beautiful legacy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

August 23, 2011

Dear Jeff, Michael and Steven,
We offer our deepest condolences to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Gods Grace comfort you.
~Kara Carney & Steve Timpson~

Camping 1980

Jana

August 23, 2011

1980

Jana

August 23, 2011

Keely Cofrin Allen

August 23, 2011

To Nancy's family. I was a graduate student in the psychology program and often had the pleasure of speaking with Nancy in the 1990s. She was always smiling and always had something nice to say even when the U of U administrative stuff was such a hassle. I was sad to hear of her passing, but I'm sure that heaven is brightened by her smile.

Angela Johns

August 23, 2011

Dear Jeff, Michael and Steven,

We are so very sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a lovely and fun lady. We had such a great time with her a few years back on the cruise. We pray that God comforts each of you during this difficult time.
May her memory be eternal!
Angela and John Johns

Elaine Schwanebeck

August 23, 2011

Jeff, Michael & Steven,

We were so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was the sweetest, kindest woman always with a contageous smile. God bless the three of you to deal with your loss. Know she is at peace. May her memory be eternal.
Paul & Elaine Schwanebeck

Alexis Coplin

August 23, 2011

Jeff

Sheila Barton-Jacobs

August 23, 2011

I always wanted Nancy's beautiful red hair! Nancy and I were great friends in High School. She will be remembered as a woman of grace.

Cindy Berg

August 23, 2011

Jeff, Michael, and Steven,
I so wish I could be there today to help you celebrate Nancy's life. She was so very special to me, taught me everything I know about university budgets. But more importantly she taught me important life lessons about how to face challenges with courage and grace. I will so miss her creativity, her beautiful smile and that wonderful laugh that would bring hope to even the most dismal budget numbers. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Joni Hansen

August 22, 2011

I was so sad to hear of Nancy's passing. I haven't seen your family for many years but have fond memories of doing school parties with her at Twin Peaks.She was so sweet and fun to be around. I used to love having Steven and Michael in our home hanging out with Jace. We missed you when you moved. Nancy was a classy lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

George Miller

August 22, 2011

Jeff, Steven and Michael I am truly sorry for the loss of your wonderful
wife and mother. May her memory be eternal
George Miller

Sylvia Metos

August 22, 2011

Dear Jeff:

I was saddened to learn of Nancy's passing. She was a courageous woman and certainly fought hard to win her battle over cancer. I will remember her flowing red tresses, her lovely smile, and contagious grin. I know she wanted to stay with you, but somehow, her time on this earth was done. God bless you and may her memory be eternal. Rest in peace, Nancy.

"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance".
~Kahil Gibran

Terrell York

August 22, 2011

Jeff and "the boys" I am so sorry that your wife and mother had to suffer so but I know that her stunning example will be a light to you forever. My heart goes out to you at this time. May God bless you.

Heather Gunn

August 22, 2011

Like many people, I will never forget Nancy Klekas. Oh, how I loved going to her office as a student in the psychology department. What a wonderful, amazing woman.

My heart goes out to you, Klekas family.

Rhonda Kelley

August 22, 2011

Jeff, Michael and Steven:

Paul and I are so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother! She fought a hard battle and is now an angel watching over you. May you always feel her with you! Our thougths and prayers are with you, Paul and Rhonda Kelley

Lori Stevenson Shaw

August 22, 2011

I was good friends in High School with Nancy. It was such a shock to read about her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. Nancy was truly a beautiful person.

August 22, 2011

Sorry to hear about your loss.She was a great person.
Andrew & Elaine Hatupis

Lisa Clayton (U. Geography)

August 21, 2011

Nancy was an amazing person. She always had a great attitude and was always so friendly and willing to help out others. I have enjoyed working with her during the past seven years and will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Wendy and Stephen Wright and family

August 21, 2011

Jeff, Michael and Steven,

Our family was blessed to have known such a wonderful woman. We feel fortunate to have spent joyous times together and witness the love and closeness that your family had. I'm sure that you must have felt the world stop for a time as heaven added an angel, your wife and mother, into it's midst. She was truly an angel here and touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with. I will always treasure her joy, laughter and absolute love of her family and life. She never missed asking about Austin as well as all of our children, with sincere interest. Each time I had the good fortune to come into contact with her I left feeling better. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hopefully knowing the huge impact she had on so many lives will help to comfort you, because in her short time here her legacy of giving joy, comfort and love was immeasurable.May her loving spirit be with you and comfort you throughout your lives and know that her greatest joy was her family. God be with you. May her memory be eternal

Ronna J. Dillinger

August 21, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and wife. She was indeed a special person and I remember her so fondly for the work she did when I was a graduate student at the U. She made it all a little easier and always had a smile for us.

August 21, 2011

Dear Jeff, Michael and Steven. We are so very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Nancy truly was a beautiful person, inside and outside. May our Lord help you through this difficult time in your lives.
May her memory be eternal.
With love,
Bob and Kris Parenti

LeiAnn Bathemess

August 21, 2011

Jeff, Michael and Steven,
Words cannot explain the sadiness in our hearts when we heard of Nancy's passing. The strength and courage that she showed through her battle with cancer was overwhelming. She loved her family more than life its self and was evident when I was around her. God bless you and the boys. May Her Memory Be Eternal. With Love, LeiAnn Bathemess Family

Melanee Lewis Limb

August 21, 2011

Such sadness hearing of the passing of Nancy. I haven't seen her since high school but have such fond memories. Her kindness and smile I will never forget. May she rest in peace.

August 21, 2011

Dear Jeff, Michael and Steven,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife, and mother. Her smile was truly contagious and her laugh was infectious. She lived her life with grace and dignity. May we all be blessed with the same positive attitude Nancy had. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind. May her memory be eternal.
With love,
Debbie, Brad and Georgiann Pino

August 21, 2011

Nancy.. My oldest and dearest friend. We shared many fun memories over the years that I will always cherish. Nancys happy and loving spirit will continue to live through her sons, Michael and Steven. Rest in peace, my friend.. Coleen

Ron Steele

August 21, 2011

Jeff, Michael and Steven,

It is with deep sadness that we have heard of your wife and mothers passing. She always had smile, a beautiful thing to say and a will to help.

May her memory be eternal.

Ron, Julie, Rebecca and Emalia Steele

Michele Burkett

August 21, 2011

Our circle of friends and our community have a huge loss at the passing of Nancy. True, she had a way of making me feel special and engaging me in conversation even though I rarely got to see her. I was lucky to see her mid-spring and will remember her in my heart. My thoughts go to her family and friends at this time of loss and sorrow. Michele Burkett, SLC and Mesquite

Victoria Louras

August 21, 2011

Dear Jeff and family,

We are so sorry about the loss of your wife and mother. She was one of the best hearted people we had ever met. She was a very selfless person and always would ask about the health issues of Alex every time we saw her. We will always have very fond memories of Nancy. May God bless you through this very difficult time and bring you strength and comfort; believing Nancy and her mother are now angels up in heaven. May her memory be eternal.

Love, Kosta & Victoria Louras and family

Kelly Schloredt

August 20, 2011

It is with deep sadness that i write. I was a graduate student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah between 1988 and 1996, and I remember Nancy fondly. Nancy was one of the first people I met in the department when I arrived. She was always friendly, always funny, and always willing to lend a helping hand. I enjoyed stopping by her office to chat and remember how she frequently talked of her family with such pride! She was an amazing person and will be missed greatly. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Peace, Kelly Schloredt

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