Nancy Bradford "Nan" Thompson

Nancy "Nan" Bradford Thompson, 87, of Rochester, passed away at home early morning of Jan. 4, 2014.

She was born in Rochester on March 3, 1927, the daughter of Dr. Luther Thompson and Mercy Thompson. Her father was a prominent bacteriologist at the Mayo Clinic between 1924 and 1955. Nancy graduated from Rochester High School in 1944, and attended Hollins College and the University of Minnesota. In 1947, she married Earl A. Hoag (1922-2011) and thereafter lived in Michigan, Arizona, England, Holland, New Mexico, Ohio, California and Florida as an Air Force bride. They divorced in 1970. Rochester became her home again in 1976 when she returned to see her father through his last years, and she then remained for the rest of her life.

Nancy was a loving mother who inspired and supported her children throughout their lives in whatever paths they chose. She had a profound influence on two of her grandchildren whom she was close to throughout their young lives. Robin Hoag (grandson) quotes: "Grandma always made me dream of nature and to be part of it so I'm quoting, John Muir for my love to her, 'Keep close to nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb mountains or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.' "

Charlene Hoag (granddaughter) quotes: "I'd push the button for the talking fish on her wall and we'd all laugh at it. I always think about grandma's sense of humor with that fish. She could be pretty witty too, and I loved that about her. She always got me books for Christmas and things; the only person in the family who understood why I loved to read to much, because she did too."

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and former spouse.

She is survived by her brother, Luther Thompson of Rochester; a daughter, Suzanne Beers of Stuart, Fla.; three son, Brad Hoag (Clarisse) of Ventura, Calif, Russ Hoag of France and Scott Hoag (Pia) of Denmark; her grandchildren, Robin Hoag of Ventura, Calif., Charlene Hoag of Scotland, Colette Beers of Silver City, New Mexico, Dylan Hatheway of La Jolla, Calif., and Nigel Hatheway-Beers of Great Lakes, Ill.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at Knob Hill Apartments, 410 Sixth Ave. S.W., between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.