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Nancy DeRoss Obituary
Born: February 11, 1953
Died: February 18, 2024 in San Francisco, CA
Nancy Pavnica DeRoss, age 71, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 18th, 2024 in San Francisco, CA after a four-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends.
Nancy was an inspiration to all around her, and will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and love.
Nancy was born in Joliet, IL February 11th, 1953 to Methodius and Therese Pavnica. She was a graduate of Joliet Central High School and went on to earn her undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Illinois.
Her love of fitness and kinesiology led her to spend her career as a physical education instructor and natural sciences professor at Joliet Junior College. Nancy was a beloved teacher for over 35 years, leading a variety of classes from biology to pilates. Her favorite class to teach was spinning, where she could combine her love for both movement and music.
Nancy relocated to San Francisco in her final years, where she celebrated her retirement, marriage of both daughters, and birth of her first grandchild. Her family and friends are incredibly thankful for the time they had with her, and will miss her terribly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Methodius and Therese Pavnica; husband, Wayne DeRoss; and brother, Methodius (Mick) Pavnica Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Maria (Mark) Barbella and Susannah (Dean) Sansovich; grandson, Cameron Dashiell Barbella; and nephew, Christopher (Kristen) Pavnica.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Moasser, the UCSF Breast Care Center, and Pathways Home Health and Hospice for the treatment and care provided.
The family will be hosting a celebration of Nancy's life this spring in Joliet, IL. Details to come.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy DeRoss
Jan and Tom Maher
February 16, 2025
Forever Remembered. Forever Missed. Jan and Tom Maher
Brenda Zeborowski
February 14, 2025
I think of her every day. She was a great teacher and friend!
Brenda Zeborowski
December 19, 2024
Great teacher and a great friend. I think of her often!
Cindi Mele
February 28, 2024
Sorry, I meant to say Nancy and Wayne memories from Charlie Club!!!
(I mistakenly said Ross. )
Renee (Cheville) Mumford
February 26, 2024
Nancy and I were the 1970-71 Band Sponsors for the Joliet Central Band. She was blue, and I was gold. So long ago but, seems like yesterday. What a beautiful person she was, and lives in my heart forever.
Tom Maher
February 25, 2024
We are deeply saddened by Nancy´s passing. She was a remarkable woman and a truly wonderful friend. Love and Prayers.
Jan and Tom Maher
Cindi Mele
February 25, 2024
Such fond memories of Nancy and Ross in our Charlie Club years. Her fitness enthusiasm and knowledge was remarkable. I hope your good memories help you through these feelings of loss. RIP Nancy.
Mary Schulte
February 22, 2024
Nancy will definitely be missed. We always had nice conversations when I saw her in the fitness center or at the beginning of spin class. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
David Opon
February 21, 2024
My sincere condolences. It was my pleasure to know and work closely with Nancy at JJC. She was a wonderful colleague who has left a lasting impact on JJC, her students and all who knew her.
John Griffis
February 21, 2024
I am so very sad over the loss of Nancy. Nancy and I shared many interesting conversations, and some good laughs over the years of being colleagues at JJC. She was a great advocate for the JJC Center, and for health and fitness in general. She was an outstanding teacher, but most of all, an outstanding person. My deepest sympathies.
Brenda Zeborowski
February 21, 2024
Such a great person, friend and superb teacher. She will be missed by many.
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