Nancy Klaus

1940 - 2024

Nancy Klaus

February 12, 1940 - July 14, 2024

Nancy Fox Klaus passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Born in Richmond, VA on February 12, 1940, to Mildred Townsend and Frederick Redford Fox, Nancy grew up in King William County before moving to Richmond for elementary school. She often reminisced about life with her many Townsend cousins at Queenfield, her grandfather's farm in Manquin, VA, where she resided with her mother while her father and uncles were in the service during WWII.

She was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and studied at Salem College for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia. An excellent student, she was voted Most Likely to Succeed in high school and graduated with honors in mathematics from the University of Georgia.

An only child, Nancy's mother died in 1961. She was supported until her marriage by several of her eleven aunts and uncles, most notably James Townsend and Elizabeth Townsend Leach.

Nancy enjoyed working as a buyer at Schwarzchild's Jewelers and as a legal assistant at the law firm of Mays & Valentine. In addition, she was extremely active in Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as a sponsor to others and proud of her over thirty-five years of sobriety.

Nancy dealt with the setbacks in her life with stoicism and grit. Although she became physically disabled at age 51, she never complained and always tried to present an upbeat attitude.

An introvert, she loved crossword puzzles, Agatha Christie mysteries, Masterpiece Theatre, international travel, and all sports (except baseball). Unfortunately, she developed an addiction later in life….to Caramel Macchiatos from Starbucks!

Nancy is survived by her children, Jim Klaus and Ashley Klaus Turner (Joel), and her grandchildren, Will, Nathalie and Bennett Turner. Nancy was blessed with special friends from her days at Westhampton School, Bonnie Buff and Adele Vogel Harrell, as well as lifelong friends from Sunderland Road, Tuggie and Mike Armstrong. She is grateful to her longtime caregivers, Tammy Clark and Gwen Morton, her trainer, Donald Tate, and her frequent visitor and crossword pal, Sharon Young, as well as the entire staff at Westminster Canterbury.

Nancy did not focus on the difficulties in her life, rarely succumbing to complaint, instead she served as a model of perseverance and grace.

A private burial will be followed by a reception in her honor at a time and location to be determined at a later date. Contributions can be made to the organization closest to her heart, Virginia Public Media.