"Some weeks ago I came to this Web site to read the obituary for my mother-in-law, Nancy Hood. I was shocked and deeply saddened to see that Nancy Foss' name came up first. I had no idea of her illness, only that it had been too many years since I had seen her and John. Our families' histories were intertwined in surprising and fascinating ways. That, and when I was 10 years old, she was my first stage crush as I watched her in the role of Maria in Eau Claire Memorial High's production of West Side Story. She was a dear friend to our family, and especially my mother, Marianna. In her later years, my mom loathed driving long distances. She took but one or two trips a year, and one of them was to visit Nancy on the other side of the state. As fate would have it, I reconnected with Nancy when my mom was hospitalized at the end of her life in Eau Claire, where Nancy had returned to work for a time. And, as fate would have it, Nancy's dad died just a few days before my mom, albeit on the other side of the country. I am deeply sorrowful at hearing of Nancy's death, and so disappointed I was unable to attend her memorial service and celebration of life. I will, nonetheless, celebrate her life perpetually as one of bright light and most wonderful voice. Peace to John, to Nancy's children and all of your family. Rev. Steve Scott, Milton, Wisconsin"
In loving memory of
Nancy Ann Foss
June 22, 1953 - August 10, 2019
Foss, Nancy
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Nancy Ann Foss of Fitchburg on August 10th, 2019, at the age of 66.
Nancy was born in June of 1953 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Walt and Ruth Conner. She graduated from Memorial High school in 1971. In 1975 she graduated from the University of Eau Claire with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis on vocal performance. Later in life her love of people as well as her caring nature drew her to follow in her father's footsteps toward a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Nancy was a kind person who loved spending time with family and friends. She was loved and cherished by many people including her husband, John, her daughter, Sarah (and Brian) Kurtz of Medina, Ohio and her son, Ross (and Natasha) Riege of Venice, California, stepson, Ehren (and Kim) Foss, stepdaughter, Kate Foss. Although she had too little time with them due to her illness, she cherished her grandchildren; Mason, Caden, Henry, Theodore, Emma and Jack. She is also survived by her brother, Mike, sister, Mickie and by the father of her children, Steve Riege.
Her friends were a source of great joy in her life. She cherished her PEO sisters and until her health condition made it impossible, she was active in her chapter as president. She also had many cherished artistic friends and neighbors who brought creativity as well as spirituality to her life. Dr. Sue Brown, who aided her during her illness was especially cherished by Nancy and John.
Nancy was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, theatrical performer and artist. She performed in several plays and operas throughout Wisconsin and performed in the Milwaukee Master Singers alongside her husband, John. Aside from her many musical accomplishments she was an artist in many medium art forms but her favorite art involved creating creatures out of repurposed items. She put her heart in to each creature she created and enjoyed sharing them with friends and family.
We will all miss her beautiful voice, gorgeous thick, curly, black hair, her unique fashion style that was all her own and her beautiful smile!
Please join John in a CelebratIon of Nancy's life to be held at Agrace Hospice Care Center at 5395 East Cheryl parkway, Fitchburg on Sunday, September 8th from 2 to 4 pm. Visitation is from 1 pm to 2 pm on the day of the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PEO chapter H or Milwaukee Master Singers.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"So sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. I grew up one block from Nancy and her family. I spent many hours playing "Barbie dolls" with her. My condolences to all who loved her later in her life"
"Nancy, Friend in High School Best Friend in College Bridesmaid in my Wedding One of my favorite memories - Singing a recital with you in our sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Thank you for being my friend. Blessings and peace to your family, Debbie Wilson Rostad "
"Dear John and family, our hearts go out to you. Though we haven?t been in touch for many years, our memories of Nancy are sweet and treasured. We are grateful that for a time we were able to sing, laugh and explore creativity with this special soul. Sending wishes for peace and deep condolences at this time of loss. ~Lynn and John"
"Sweet Nancy, we met in grade school & I so wanted to play the piano just like you. I took lessons but it never happened. I remember fun times as kids & teenagers & your role as Maria in West Side Story. Peace to you & your family.?"
"I went to school with Nancy from Kindergarten through HS. I have such fond and fun memories with her around school events, Girl Scouting, sleep overs, and of course so many music memories. Blessings and my deepest condolences to you and all the family. Julie Beguhn Long"
"May Nancy's beautiful soul rest in peace"