Nancy Jeanette LaPierre (Parrott), 72, of Elkhart, died on January 1, 2023, following a short battle with ovarian cancer.  Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Craig, her daughter and son-in law, Dana and Tommy Lenahan, her son and daughter-in-law, Darin and Amanda Lundberg, and two beautiful grandchildren, Brynn Lenahan and Max Lundberg. Nancy is also survived by her caring sister, Jackie Bolvin, and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy began her life in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a hot little number - petite with big blue eyes and lustrous brown hair. She was also talented – she played guitar and sang in a folk band while attending Patrick Henry High School. Later, Nancy would perform "Puff, the Magic Dragon" for her kids, who would always cry for the sad dragon whose green scales fell like rain.

Nancy excelled at whatever she tried. She taught herself home renovation skills and turned her home into a sanctuary that could rival any HGTV home. She created beautiful things with her sewing machine, including countless Halloween costumes and a wedding dress for her daughter's dear friend. She enjoyed cooking and made a bacon and egg sandwich that her kids still can't replicate. Even toast was better when Nancy made it.

Nancy loved animals – domestic and wild. She fostered robins, blue jays, and a tiny squirrel named Woody. She almost never had fewer than three dogs, and at times, she also had birds and even ferrets. She never met an animal she did not like or that she did not think she could turn into a pet.

Nancy's smile was magnetic, and she was generous with it. Even near the end, when she could no longer speak, she endeared herself to her nurses with her brilliant smile. We dearly miss that smile.

Nancy, Mom, Grammy, we love you tons and tons. And we know that you love us more.

True to form, Nancy did not want a funeral to commemorate her death. She wanted us to raise our glasses to celebrate her life. We will celebrate Nancy's life this summer – her favorite time of year.

Nancy always told us not to waste our money on flowers for her (though we did it anyway). If you are so inclined, we know she would appreciate donations in her memory to be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, www.elkharthumanesociety.org. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart was entrusted to care for Nancy's arrangements.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 County Road 19, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4225
Web: http://www.info@elkharthumanesociety.org