Nancy L Stefani

Nancy Lee Stefani passed away May 1, 2024, due to complications from congestive heart failure.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St.) with a prayer service and memory sharing at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, also at the church. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, IA.
Nancy was born on June 24, 1936, to Rex and Elisa (Fontanini) Stefani. She grew up in Ankeny and graduated high school from St. Joseph's Academy.
Nancy worked at Chamberlain Company, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines for 19 years, and Drake University for 18 years, retiring as the Director of Gift Planning in 2007. Nancy was an accomplished fundraiser during her career for both the Diocese and Drake.
She was the first fundraiser in Iowa to attain the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE), now known as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Nancy established a national reputation as a leading authority on planned giving. She was a highly sought-after speaker and conducted over 1,000 programs on the subject of Wills and Charitable Gift Annuities for churches, organizations and institutions around the state and country. Her vast knowledge of charitable giving plans earned her the respect of not only donors, but accountants, attorneys and colleagues as well. Nancy was a strong believer in continuing professional development and served as president of the central Iowa chapter of the NSFRE and received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award.
In addition to her professional career, Nancy was a tireless volunteer. In 1979, she chaired the hospitality committee for the historical visit of Pope John Paul II to Iowa. Beginning in 1976, Nancy served as the official scorer for home Drake University women's basketball games for 40 years. She was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame for her service.
In 1999, she received the Governor's Individual Volunteer Award from Governor Terry Branstad. In 2008, she joined the Mercy Auxiliary of Central Iowa and served for 9 years and received the Shining Star Award to recognize her outstanding volunteerism. In 2012, the Board of Governors of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa selected her as the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award for her numerous contributions to the Italian community and the greater Des Moines area.
Nancy's passions in life included her Catholic faith, her family, her Italian heritage, Drake University and women's basketball.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Della and Rosemary; her brothers, Marco, Raymond and Roger; and her nieces, LeAnn Stefani Anderlik and Ann Marie Casey.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Rose (Eugenio) Fugaccia; sister-in-law, Frances Stefani; nephews, Mike (Raechel) and John Casey, Ray (Kathy), Rick (Diane), Randy (Cindy), Steve (Jennifer), Roger (Kerry Sheehy) and Frank (Brenda) Stefani; nieces, Lisa (Rob) Smith, Marie Stefani, Amy (Jeff) Brown, Rose Stefani Ehrecke, Jennifer (Joe) Skelley and Sara Fugaccia; and dear friends, Harriet Labertew, Sally Holmberg and Martha Komma.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Nancy's legacy of charitable giving by making memorial donations to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Church or Drake University women's basketball.
Please join us in Nancy's love for Drake by wearing Drake colors or apparel to celebrate her life. Nancy Stefani Mass of Christian Burial Livestream