Nancy Lawler Peppin

Nancy Peppin, artist, watercolorist and book designer, best known for featuring Twinkies in her artwork, died June 22 surrounded by family and friends. She was 70. Nancy was a long time Reno resident and community activist. She championed many environmental and social causes, loved movies, gardens, nature, good wine and good company. She was especially fond of her cats and loved moose memorabilia. A recent news article entitled, "Twinkie as art subject: How sweet it is!" chronicled her philosophy on art and her life. Her "Twinkies in history series" included reference to Audubon, Darwin, da Vinci, and Kahlo, among others. She taught many art classes, and before retiring, created animation for IGT. Nancy, an Oakland, California native who earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 and later received a bachelor's degree in art from University of Nevada, Reno worked for Sunset Magazine and even graced its cover. She is survived by her siblings Barbara Lawler Feyerabend, Brian Lawler, Gregory Lawler and Richard Lawler, two nephews Patrick Lawler and Philip Marshal Lawler and her two kitties Cupcake and Twinkie. Her parents were the late Virginia and Russell Lawler of Oakland, California.

She will be remembered for her sense of humor as well as her art. She will be missed by many including the swan at Virginia Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy's memory to the May Arboretum Society of Rancho San Rafael, Box 6225, Reno, Nevada, 89513. A celebration of Nancy's life is scheduled for August 1st.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Jul. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Lawler Peppin

19 Entries

Michelle Zito

April 15, 2021

I feel terrible that I have not heard of Nancy's passing til now. I have (after many years) begun to paint again. I was lucky to have taken watercolor classes with Nancy at TMCC years ago and never forgot her advice and encouragement. I can still hear her voice in my ears as I work. After all these years I found myself reminiscing and decided to look her up on Facebook! She was and is my inspiration. My late condolences to her students, friends and family. I will miss her too! Rest in peace Nancy!

Christine Bushgens

July 31, 2015

I'm very sorry to hear of Nancys passing. She was a patient at my last job. I was her dental assistant for 16 years. I was glad to see her name on the schedule. She was a lovely lady. Always had a smile on her face. I couldn't wait to see what socks she had on usually had some moose on them. I loved hearing about all her art projects. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.

Vicki Anderson

July 20, 2015

Among Nancy's contributions to our community were her volunteer hours spent as an art instructor for OLLI, Reno. Many will miss her.

Nettie & Tony Oliverio

July 9, 2015

Coolest Twinkie Toes and most amazing spirit, forever a part of Reno's arts fabric. Missed and loved.

Tina Kostrzeski

July 9, 2015

Nancy, I will miss your wit, kindness, and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with your many friends and family.

Betty Drake

July 9, 2015

I miss my Pelly Pal, Miz Twinkie and BFF, Nancy. Loving, whimsical, fascinated with the cobwebby corners of art and life ...words cannot describe!

Pam Pearson

July 7, 2015

Nancy was such a talented and joyful soul that will be missed by many. I'm thankful to have graced her path. My heartfelt condolences.

July 7, 2015

What a beautiful piece on Nancy! Hasta la vista amiga! Love Patricia

MARYJANE SMITH

July 6, 2015

Nancy was always the spark plug in any company. She showed her kindness and love in everything she did. We were so lucky to have known her and loved her back for so many years.

Tina Drakulich

July 6, 2015

Nancy Peppin is one of the most loving, generous and funny people I have known- Until we meet again, dear Nancy.

Pete & Marilyn Allen

July 4, 2015

Nancy...what a joy it was to call you a friend. We will never forget your talent, wit and good will...not to mention the Twinkie Art, Chocolate Moose and Ginger Slugs. Oh yeah, and the great food and wine. Here's to the good times...til we meet again.

Margy Rockenbeck

July 3, 2015

How sad to hear the news of Nancy's death. I think of her every time I look at the little watercolor of hers that we have. Such a talented, one-of-a-kind, special person. My condolences to her family and friends.

Kris Martin

July 3, 2015

Nancy, we shared the same sense of humor and delight in massive collections! I will miss you and your contagious smile.
You brought much life to Life in everything you did!!

Michele Robinson

July 3, 2015

Nancy you indeed were a bright light to so many. I will never forget you and the times we shared together. I know that you will have left a gap in many lives but will be thought of with much fondness and a smile will come to one's face when remembering you.

Mahalo for sharing a part of your life with me.

A hui hou with all my Aloha,
Michele Robinson

Patty Melton

July 3, 2015

I will miss you Dearest Nancy. Prayers go out to your family and friends at this loss to our community.

ADIANNE HALL

July 3, 2015

SO LUCKY TO HAVE MET THIS GREAT SPIRIT FOR A BRIEF TIME, AND SO SORRY SHE IS GONE SO SOON. MY SADNESS WILL BE LIFTED BY THE MEMORY OF HER INCREDIBLE ART AND SENSE OF HUMOR. ADIANNE

James Harker

July 3, 2015

So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. For me, she was always one of the kindest and most interesting ladies at the party. Rest in peace.
Jim Harker

Darlene Vonsild

July 2, 2015

I am so sad to hear of Nancy passing, she was the coolest person and so positive in everything she encountered. Will miss her at Burning Man this year, she was one of our favorite campers.

Diane (Dede) Rugg

July 2, 2015

As a longtime employee of the May Arboretum, I remember Nancy's good humor, warm smile and tireless volunteer work. We will all miss her dearly.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results