Nancy McKlveen

Nancy Lepman McKlveen, 78, died at her home in Mill Valley, CA, on November 9, 2023, after a long and courageous journey with cancer. Nancy will be remembered fondly for her love of family, passion for the preservation of the environment and the protection of women's rights, a long career of helping children, and many other contributions to her communities. Born in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of Lewis and Marjorie Lepman, Nancy grew up in Glencoe, IL, lived and worked in Des Moines, IA, and moved to Mill Valley ten years ago.Nancy was a graduate of New Trier High School, attended Centenary College for Women in Hackettstown, NJ, and received her BS degree from Drake University. Nancy then pursued her interest in helping others by obtaining her Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa in 1985.Nancy's career in helping children began while volunteering at Head Start in Washington, DC. In her professional life she provided mental health treatment for adolescents at Orchard Place, a residential treatment facility in Des Moines, for over 25 years, retiring when she moved to Mill Valley in 2013. She adored her work there, the children she treated, and the staff. She made a difference in the lives of many children through her work.Nancy was an exceptional gardener with a wonderful eye and touch, artistic both in the garden and with her indoor arrangements. She brought those talents to her memberships in two Garden Club of America (GCA) organizations -- the Des Moines Founders Garden Club, where she was a member for 30 years, serving as president and chairing many committees, and the Marin Garden Club (California), where she was also very active, serving on and leading many committees during her eight-year membership. In addition to her gardening skills, Nancy was a passionate and persuasive activist on behalf of "our dear Mother Earth." She was chair of GCA's National Affairs and Legislation committee, tasked with articulating GCA's conservation and environmental message to Capitol Hill, and raising awareness of those issues among GCA members. She frequently met with US Senators, members of Congress, and their staffs, regarding GCA's positions. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Medal of Merit from the Marin Garden Club and the Zone Conservation Award from the GCA.Nancy is survived by her husband Tom, her children Betsey Madden (Steve) and John McKlveen, and her grandchildren Elizabeth Madden and Nicolette McKlveen. A gathering in Nancy's memory will be held at a later date.Contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Orchard Place, 2116 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, (online at https://www.orchardplace.org/donation) or Garden Club of America, Blackburn Fund, Attn: Alison Dolack, 14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 (online at:https://www.gcamerica.org/contribute/form/fund/conservation).