Nancy Anne Noel

Nancy Anne Noel obituary, Zionsville, IN

Nancy Anne Noel

Nancy Noel Obituary

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Nancy Anne Noel

Zionsville - Nancy Noel passed away at her home in Zionsville on August 16th, 2020, surrounded by family and friends. A celebrated and prolific artist, Nancy was one of the area's most famous residents.

Born to Jerome Noel and Louise Hanley, Nancy was raised in a large and prominent Indianapolis family. Her grandfather was William Hanley, an early top executive at Eli Lilly, and a gifted engineer who designed and patented innovative production advancements of the gelcap.

After attending St. Mary's of Notre Dame and graduating with an art degree from Mount St. Joseph University, Nancy pursued an art career to the chagrin of her parents. She became well known locally, sketching portraits at the Penrod Arts Fair for $35 dollars apiece and opening the Noel Gallery in Broad Ripple, where she sold other artists' work. It soon became a status symbol to have a Noel portrait of your child above the fireplace. Nancy began working in oil paints and continued to create portraits of animals and children. By the 1980s, Nancy was publishing prints, which became so popular with art distributors that she decided to venture into the distribution business herself. She was among the very first artists to buy ads in leading lifestyle magazines of the day, such as Town & Country and Country Living magazines. She went by the name "N.A. Noel" during an era in which female artists were not taken as seriously as their male counterparts. By the 1990s, Nancy had become recognized internationally for her paintings of animals, Amish Life, Angels, and African peoples, among other subjects.

Nancy was known for her enormous creative energy, often working in the middle of the night and painting on several canvases in the same day. Throughout her career, Nancy created over 1,000 original works, sold millions of prints, published eight books, and established Noel Studio, a brand that rigorously protects the value and authenticity of Nancy's reproductions for collectors. Her artwork hangs in the homes of world leaders and celebrities and has been used to commemorate major events and organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Noel Studio open houses, where Nancy signed prints for collectors, would often draw thousands of people and long lines.

In the 1970s, Nancy purchased a piece of property in Zionsville, where she kept her beloved horse, El Kadere. After marrying Gerald Kosene, they built a house and additional barns on the property and called it Llandfair Farm. Over the following decades, "Llandfair" became home to dozens of animals, from horses and llamas, to raccoons and pigs, and many adopted others. As a longtime champion of animals and children, Nancy brought them together by creating animal therapy programs for the disabled. In Africa, where Nancy traveled extensively, she became active in rescuing the endangered rhino population, and later established the N.A. Noel pre-school in southern Kenya.

Besides painting and riding horses, Nancy loved spending her days at Llandfair, often followed around by a motley group of animals. While she was raised Catholic, Nancy did not consider herself "religious." Spirituality became a more dominant subject in her later work. An ethereal, even mystical, expression came through in her paintings. She was drawn to the mystery of unseen powers, the presence of guiding spirits, and the conflict between love and fear.

Nancy is survived by her two sons, Alexander Noel-Kosene (Inés Chouciño Storani) and Michael Noel-Kosene (Julie Mahomed); her siblings, Irma Rand (Jim), Louise Malachowski (Bob), Carol Noel (David Lohman), Bill Noel (Jane), and sister-in-law, Michele Noel (brother, Jerome Noel-predeceased); her grandchildren, Hugo Chouciño-Kosene and Miriam Anne Kosene; her fiancé, George Mast; her longtime friend, Kathy Pierle; and the many animals of Llandfair Farm.

Services will be held privately, but a retrospective exhibition of Noel's work will be planned for a later date.

To donate in memory of Nancy, the Women Like Us Foundation is accepting tax-deductible donations on behalf of the Nancy Noel Academy.

Online donations: https://donorbox.org/noel-school

Or make checks payable to: "The Women Like Us Foundation" and mail to Noel Studio, PO Box 248, Zionsville, IN 46077

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

Sign Nancy Noel's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 11, 2023

Edie Gray posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2022

Karen posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2022

Patricia Corrigan posted to the memorial.

Edie Gray

January 11, 2023

I bought some Amish children prints 38 years ago and Nancy is my favorite painter. I have followed her career and loved everything she has done. I got brave in 2006 and started water painting myself. I am no artist but watching color come alive through painting has helped me through some rough times. Nancy was a beautiful woman and I am so glad I followed her life for years.

Karen

August 13, 2022

I never met Nancy, but have loved her art for many years. I have several of her "Amish" & animal prints hanging on the walls of our home. She was truly able to capture the real Amish life & her painting of animals could not be more true to form.

Patricia Corrigan

May 28, 2022

I´m a longtime lover of Nancy´s work. I discovered her many years ago in an add in a magazine. I started collecting her prints and have them in every room in my home. My master bedroom is decorated around her artwork including "Jeff" , "Twins", "Quilts"´, "Flower Girl", "Patience", "Faith", and others. I have 3 prints in my kitchen, 2 in my family room, one in my dining room, 1 in the stairway, one in the upstairs hallway and I´m probably forgetting some. She was by far my favorite artist. I wish I could have bought every print she released. I was so saddened when I came upon her obituary. I had a lifelong dream of visiting her studio. I just wanted to tell someone how much she and her work have meant to me over the years. I´m a huge animal lover and always admired her love of animals and her beautiful animal paintings. My deepest condolences to her family. The world has lost a very, very special and talented person. May she Rest In Peace surrounded by her beloved pets.

Mimi Ramsey

February 23, 2022

I was out and about shopping and one day I went into a store in Mount Shasta CA. I saw a large painting with an Angel. From there I was in the place selling paintings. I was so excited I found two more beautiful Angels in these gorgeous frames. I bought them both. I dearly love my pictures. They mean a lot to me. I always wanted to meet her. I am sadden that she has passed. But I feel I got something great from her. If I see more paintings or prints, I will be adding them to my collection. You can see the love in her paintings.
My heart goes out to you guys. God Blessed

Karen Visocky

October 27, 2021

Have loved Nancy's work for many years. Especially her Amish art as my husband & I have several close friends in the Amish community, & her animals, particularly the chickens & cats. Also her Great Danes, as they are my love breed. Many of Nancy's painting look more like photographs, such perfection & lifelike. Thank you!

Bruce Hodgson

July 31, 2021

I can´t believe she´s gone. She was SO full of life. She taught me how to keep our Arabians from crow-hopping in less than an hour. She used to follow me in her little black Mercedes coupe (checking up on me). Up at Walloon we went to a vampire drive-in movie and then there were all of those giant moths and we kept our throats covered and laughed until we cried. I helped her glue all of the little styrofoam cups upside-down on the ceiling at her little Art Studio on Ferguson in Broad Ripple. My daughter Hope made a commercial for her son at her house up in Zionsville Ah the Great Memories at lunch at MHCC, sailing on Wawasee with Jay and Gloria. She was SO full of life!!! And I remember Louise, Irma, Jerome, Ginny and Billy. I was their Lifesaver (not Louise, she already had Bob ;o)

Dianne Collins

July 17, 2021

I just found out about Ms. Noel's passing from a fellow Indiana residence. Her artwork was pure magic from her subject matter to details to colors chosen. I have her art and books in my home. Her angel book, with glowing letters, touched me after my grandmother passed. Yes saw them glowing on my bookcase.
So sorry to learn this and she was an amazing artist. Deepest sympathies to her family.

Deborah Spears n Naila Gomez-Spears

June 22, 2021

We are so sad to just find out about Ms. Nancy Noel passing. We have so many beautiful memories an pictures that she signed for us. Loved her an will miss her dearly! Fly High Ms. Noel

Jana German

May 21, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Marvina Marie Liechty

March 1, 2021

I am glad to say I just discovered her art work this year. It is a large print I bought at our local Goodwill. I love it! It hangs in our front entry.
I just learned more about her today, including the fact she had passed away, as I wanted to find out about the artist who painted my picture. I also shared a love for horses and owned several
Please accept my condolences to those who loved her. Sincerely, Marvina Liechty

MJ

January 4, 2021

I have several prints of Amish children. They are my prized possessions. I was saddened to hear of NA’s passing. Her artwork is incredible, with so much inspiration.
She will be remembered, and missed.

Nancy Larsh

September 21, 2020

Nancy opened my world beyond what I thought was possible. I thank her for a slice of life that is untouchable. Who she is makes her paintings that much more magnificent! She is a force of goodness, love and strength
... xoxo

Magdalena H Segovia

September 4, 2020

God bless Artists of all kinds, for they give freedom of expression to human feelings. Nancy Noel was one fabulous artist. She leaves an amazing legacy, through her impressive beautiful body of work.

James Wille Faust

August 27, 2020

Nancy was a good friend, I will miss her.

Emily Campbell

August 23, 2020

I am the proud owner of five of her paintings. Each one serves as a window through which I view a small portion of her soul.

Jack D. Christy.

August 22, 2020

Jerry, Alex, Michael-

I want to offer my Sincere Condolences to you All; on behalf of my family and Johns. The Christy’s..
John always spoke highly of your Mom and said how gifted she was. How she was filled goodness and kindness for all....May they both reunite in Heaven, and Smile.

Nancy LauerMoore

August 21, 2020

So sorry for your loss and praying for God’s peace and comfort over the next few days❤

Eve Earley

August 21, 2020

She was one of a kind. So gifted, and authentic. I was blessed to know her. I will always love her paintings of angels, Amish life, and animals. She is an angel now.

Jerry Grayson

August 21, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Nancy’s family, but especially to her son Alex. He was a student of mine when I taught at Park Tudor School. Everyday for many of the years I taught at PT, I would see a print of hers hanging on the wall at the bottom of the stairs in the Fine Arts building. She and her considerable talent will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss, Alex and family.

Sherron Leonard

August 21, 2020

I met Nancy many years ago at a Fair in Zionsville. I bought a picture which she signed for me. She was such a sweet and kind lady. So sad to lose such a wonderful person so early.

Donna Cook

August 21, 2020

Nancy was so special to me. The last time I saw her she was so happy. It was one of those synchronistic moments in the Village. She glowed. I was saddened to hear of her passing, but I know there is another Angel in Heaven. Sending Prayers and Angels of Comfort to her family & friends.

Betsy Hickman

August 20, 2020

I met Nancy years ago at Penrod and bought a poster of the Amish girl by a quilt. later I bought the book that she illustrated, “All God’s Creatures Go To Heaven” and have read the poem in the book, Fly” many times for memorial services. I know she is flying into the Light.

LuAnn

August 20, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Kathy Hines

August 20, 2020

Louise and Dr. Bob, my condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. (You cared for my girls, Kristin and Kami years ago)

Kathy Hines

August 20, 2020

Louise and Dr. Bob, my condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.

Denise Larson

August 20, 2020

I will always be grateful for Nancy allowing my daughter's girl scout troop to visit her studio in the early 90's. Nancy's assistant said that it was the first request of it's kind. Not only did we get to tour her art studio, Nancy was present and made sure that the girls got to visit her animals and home as well. It was mind blowing for me to see originals of some of the posters I had purchased in the 80's. The girls absolutely loved our time with Nancy.

Peace and comfort to all in this great loss.

Alicia Roth

August 20, 2020

Nancy’s life was an intricately woven tapestry. Rich, textured, with many hues. She lived a life true to herself and the people and values she held dear. Brilliantly gifted, her art will live on. Blessed to have had her in my life. With abiding love and respect. Alicia Roth

DORIS HAYES

August 20, 2020

I have a few of her prints hanging in my home. One is signed by Nancy. I love the way she painted and the way she lived. It was a pleasure to meet her , and hear of the stories surrounding her paintings. She was a very talented lady.

Ann Hays

August 20, 2020

I loved her inspirational paintings which are all through my house. We will greatly miss her and her work which brought such great joy and peacefulness to so many.

Russ Lilly

August 20, 2020

Having grown up with Nancy’s brother Jerome, I got to know the family well. Nancy was indeed a free spirit who blazed her own trail. She always had a kind word for me and I so enjoyed her sense of humor. She gave me a personalized poster of the Lincoln Park Zoo which was very meaningful to me. May she Rest in Peace....

Cheryl Duckworth Cook

August 20, 2020

Our family loved her work & purchased pieces for special occasions, graduations, birthdays etc. Moms luving room looked like a Noel studio. Amish life were her favorites. So sad when the church studio closed. Lovely place. A great talent that will be missed. I will cherish the prints we have even more

Stevie Addison

August 19, 2020

I always enjoyed framing Nancy’s paintings and prints at Frame Design. It was so much fun when she came in accompanied with a parrot on her shoulder and one of her dogs. So very sad to hear. I feel so fortunate to have known her

Guy Davis

August 19, 2020

A dear heart who loved her animals, well all animals. Our conversations about homless animals meant a lot to me. Will miss her friendship.

Jennifer (Kern) Alderson

August 19, 2020

I went through grade school with Nancy, we lost contact after that but I often thought about her. We had a grade school reunion a couple years ago and she was there. We went to Immaculate Heart of Mary together for 8 years. She will be greatly missed. So sorry for her family's loss.

Mary Wilkins

August 19, 2020

Nancy was a beautiful and surreal person. She was friends with Attorney Henry Price and would come into our office every now and then. Prayers for her family and friends. So very sorry for their loss.

Jennifer Fruth

August 19, 2020

Nancy had such a big heart. She opened up her farm to my grandchildren who had just lost their father. Thank you Nancy ❤❤

Suzanne Ringger

August 19, 2020

I was blessed to know Nancy when I taught Michael.
In spite of her immense talent, she was so focused on, and caring for others. I loved taking llamas and pups to visit kids in the hospital.
Michael, I’m sorry. I remember how much she loved you and sought the best for you.

Beverly Mussetter

August 19, 2020

I grew up with Nancy and always she was a kind and gentle friend. The world has been a better place because Nancy lived in it and her love and talent will go into the future in her art.

Christine Arnold

August 19, 2020

Our kids went to school together. I have very fond memories during those school years. She was a beautiful lady. My positive thoughts are with the family. So sorry for your loss.

Yasmin Betancourt

August 19, 2020

The universe has gained an angel...she was a kind and tender woman. Rest In Peace. ❤

Judith A Nichols

August 19, 2020

My heart aches for the loss..Her memory will live on in her amazingly, beautiful art work..Im blessed to have 47+ of her pieces hanging as gallery art on my walls...I started collecting her Amish prints in the 80's and had the pleasure of meeting Nancy at several different studios during the years....Condolences to her family, friends and beloved animals....

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results

Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary (A.R.N. Cremation) - Zionsville

11411 N Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077

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Sign Nancy Noel's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 11, 2023

Edie Gray posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2022

Karen posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2022

Patricia Corrigan posted to the memorial.