Nancy J. Harper

Nancy J Cook Coursolle Harper died on May 31st after struggling valiantly from a neurological disease that robbed her of her ability to move but never robbed her of her love of family and friends.

Nancy was born in 1946 in Ames, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Merlin (Spike) Cook. From her parents Nancy learned the value of hard work, politeness, entertaining skills and a curiosity and respect for people from all walks of life. Nancy is survived by brother Terry (Judy) Cook, niece Megan (Raymond “Chip”) Richter, nephew Geoffrey Cook (Cindy McBennett), great nephews Logan Richter, Dylan Richter and Ford Cook, chosen children Anthony Augustine, goddaughters Denise Barnes (son Quentin) and Andrea Wilder and many more relatives and friends. She loved holidays or any opportunity to be with family or friends.

Teachers touch forever. As a respected and collegial educator in the Minneapolis schools for nearly four decades, Nancy served as classroom teacher, district mentor, tutor, volunteer and professional development specialist in ways to better reach students of all backgrounds, always holding high but encouraging expectations for her students, young and old.

Nancy’s friends sustained her throughout her life. Whether it was a phone call, lunch together, sending her a card, visiting her, shopping together, attending book club, having nails done, sending her a chart of all the Dancing with the Stars couples or co-winning the best decorated pumpkin contest at her residence, she treasured time with friends.

A special thank you to all the staff in Nancy’s senior living residences that helped her navigate the challenges of her later life. She was a popular resident with her curiosity and interest in the stories of their lives.

Interment at Ames Municipal Cemetery, Ames, Iowa at a later date.