Nancy Joyce Kinnear

Nancy Joyce Kinnear, 80, passed away on March 13, 2024, after a brave two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Nancy was born in 1943 in Massachusetts to Max and Jeanette Winer. Nancy was the second of five children. Helping to raise her twin baby sisters, Linda and Lisa, was the start of a lifelong passion for taking care of others and being a mother.

Showing a resilience and determination that would be a hallmark of her life, Nancy was the first in her family to go to college, putting herself through the University of Massachusetts with a degree in elementary education. At UMass she met the love of her life, Roger. They began their married life in New York City in 1966. Nancy was a second-grade teacher in the Bronx, quietly giving students mittens, hats and coats when they had none.

Roger's career led to multiple moves around the country. Although she was often pulled away from a great group of friends and comfortable surroundings, Nancy tackled each move with a positive and upbeat attitude. She was fast to make friends and never came across a stranger that she couldn't strike up a conversation with.

She served on the school board of a district in suburban Chicago in the late 80's and was never shy to share her opinion about the importance of education. Later in life she went back to work as a social worker where she worked hands-on with mentally challenged adults to help them adapt and thrive in a working environment. Showing her willingness to be involved in the community and get things done, Nancy proudly served as the President of her HOA from 2009-2023. She was very thankful for the kindness and support of her neighbors.

Nancy's four children and 12 grandchildren were her pride and joy. She never tired of talking about how smart and beautiful each grandchild was and developed a special bond with each. They will all sorely miss their Grammy Fancy but have cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Nancy enjoyed people and developed friendships everywhere she went. Her friends and family were key to helping her deal with the daily challenges of cancer. She took a great deal of pride in being an "outlier" in how long she survived with it. She always had a positive attitude throughout her battle and was a big believer that mental toughness fueled by a positive outlook can help you overcome any obstacle. She was a great inspiration, and her family is grateful to have had extra time with her.

She is survived by her husband Roger, sons David (Andrea) Kinnear, Matthew (Susan) Kinnear, Andrew (Reagan) Kinnear and daughter Jennifer (Jim) Stamper. Cherished grandchildren are Ben and Cal Kinnear; Jake, Nate, Sam and Ryan Kinnear; Emery, Allie, Marin and Danny Stamper and Cara and Ainsley Kinnear. Nancy is also survived by her sisters Linda Clute and Lisa Scourtas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Stephen and Gerald.

A private ash scattering will take place for the family in Watersmeet, MI. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held in Collierville, TN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Herb Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation.