Nancy R. Zahniser

1948 - 2016

Nancy R. Zahniser

DENVER, CO.: Nancy Zahniser PhD, professor emerita of pharmacology, passed away peacefully at her home in Denver, CO on 5 May 2016 after battling glioblastoma for over a year. She had retired from the University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSM) in 2014, where she had spent her career elucidating mechanisms of certain neurotransmitters and their receptors in brain functioning. A highly productive medical researcher, Nancy was principal investigator on more than thirty peer-reviewed grants, published more than one hundred fifty papers and was internationally recognized for her research. She was given many distinguished awards for her research, and excelled as a mentor. Nancy was known to her students as "a fabulous balance of positivity and grit". She also served five years as Associate Dean for Research Education at UCSM.

Nancy was born in Ann Arbor, MI in 1948 to Cy and Mary Rutledge. After living briefly at several locations in the eastern Midwest and Northeast, the family settled in Chillicothe, OH in 1956. Nancy was always involved in a wide range of activities while growing up, from Girl Scouts to ballet to playing oboe in the band and orchestra to participating in groups including National Honor Society and the American Field Service (AFS). She also spoke before community groups about her experiences and travels. After graduating from Chillicothe High School in 1966, she attended the College of Wooster (OH), earning a Bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1970. Nancy married her first husband, Mark Zahniser, in 1971 in New Delhi, India where he served in the Peace Corps and she taught science at the Woodstock School in Mussoorie. Upon returning to the United States, she attended the University of Pittsburg where she received her PhD in 1977. She then moved to Colorado for postdoctoral research, followed by her appointment to the faculty of UCSM.

Nancy lead an active personal life that included backcountry skiing, hiking, wildflower photography, and of course travelling the world. Beginning in 1979 she and Tom Dunwiddie became companions and enjoyed a scientific and personal relationship until Tom's tragic death in Yosemite in 2001. They enjoyed many adventures and travels together. The extended Dunwiddie family cherish Nancy as "one of their own". Nancy married again in 2006, to Christopher Wing. Nancy and Chris enjoyed many activities like walking and bicycling, travel and entertaining. In particular, they joyfully undertook cooking and gardening as art forms; meals at their home were always special occasions. A recent high point last summer was visiting her Austrian AFS "sister", Helene Strasser, in Linz. She had first met Helene in 1965, and they had remained close friends for fifty years.

Many people have been touched by her grace, intelligence, generosity and joy of life. Nancy was lovely and bright, with a positive spirit that was infectious. Nancy will live always in the memories of those who loved her. She is survived by her husband Chris Wing, brothers Paul Rutledge and Mark Rutledge-Gorman, nephews James and Nathan Rutledge-Gorman, and four cousins.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled in Colorado for later in the summer.